Kipruto now focuses on Continental Tour after Zagreb action
World indoor 800m winner Collins Kipruto says his attention has now shifted to the first World Athletics Continental Tour Meeting on African soil, the Kip Keino Classic slatted for October 3 in Nairobi.
His focus comes after he finished fifth at the 70th anniversary of the World Athletics Continental Tour that was held on Tuesday in Zagreb, Croatia to mark his fourth race in under three weeks in Europe.
The 26- year-old who set a new a personal best time of 1:44.42 in Rovereto, Italy last week says the anticipation over the Nairobi event is high, partly because it will be the first major athletics event in the continent since the coronavirus pandemic struck.
“I am excited to have had an opportunity to resume my running in one of the strangest seasons ever.
It has been extraordinary to say the least. That is why I am thankful for this far I have come.
Personally it will be great to compete on Kenyan soil after such a long break,” said the athlete who trains at Nyahururu Athletics Club.
He added: “We all know that Kip Keino Classic, is very important, especially for Africa.
It is going to open our sports in the country and most likely in Africa, because since Covid-19 struck, there has not been any major championship in Africa. I know Kenyan athletes are training hard enough in anticipation.”
Kipruto whose first race was at the Brussels Diamond League at the start of the month where he competed in the 1,500m race, notes that the Continental Tour is giving the country another chance to put on a great show this year after a spate of mixed fortunes.
“I know even those in charge want to organise the event bearing in mind that its success will also resonate on how Africa at large can organise future global events,” he said.
