Wilson Kipsang sets sights on World Championships

Former World marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang has expressed his desire to compete for Kenya in the marathon event at the World Championships set for August 22 to 30 in Beijing, China.

"I want to go to Beijing since I have never represented my country in a World championship," said Kipsang on his website. “After running six times under 2.05, its time it’s time to focus on the World Championship title.”

Last week Kipsang, who won a marathon bronze for Kenya during the 2012 London Olympic Games, finished second in the London Marathon, posting 2:04:46, the fastest ever by a runner-up at the race.

Kipsang won the London Marathon last year in a course record time of 2:04:29 before claiming the New York City Marathon in 2:10:59. He made his debut in London in 2012 where he won in 2:04:44.

Chicago Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge claimed sweet revenge over Kipsang, who beat him at the 2013 Berlin Marathon, winning in 2:04:41.

It was Kipsang who edged out Kipchoge to win the 2013 Berlin Marathon in a world record-breaking time of 2:03:23, 15 seconds faster than the previous record by Patrick Makau.

Kipsang said he will not dwell into the London defeat but focus on the next races. "I will go and rest a little bit before returning to training for the World Championships. I am waiting for the selection of the team, the sooner the better."

Besides his three appearances in London and Berlin 2013 where he ran under 2.05, Kipsang registered similar results at the Frankfurt Marathon in 2010 (2:04:57) and 2011 (2:03:42) respectively.

The 32-year-old won his first championship medal when he clocked 2:09:37 to claim bronze at the 2012 Olympics.

He had competed at the 2009 Birmingham World Half Marathon Championships, finishing fourth in 1:00:08.