Uganda’s Victor Kiplangat has set his sights on defending his Commonwealth Games marathon crown after a difficult outing at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The reigning Commonwealth champion finished 15th in the Japanese capital, clocking 2:11:33, well outside the podium places.
Kiplangat admitted he had arrived in Tokyo hoping to retain his world title but the humid conditions proved punishing.
“I started strongly but things changed in the final stretch between the 37th and 40th kilometre,” he said. “The Tokyo weather was very tough and it did not only affect me, but also many other athletes. My plan now is to prepare for the Commonwealth Games next year.”
Kiplangat said he will take time to recover before building up for another marathon season that includes major international races. His Commonwealth title defence will be his top priority.
