Defending champion Amos Kipruto will lead the Kenyan contingent in this year’s London Marathon slated for April 23.

Kipruto who triumphed in last year’s event will be eyeing back-to-back titles in the race that has attracted four-fastest men over the distance.

The 30-year-old will be joined by compatriots; Valencia Marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum who ran the third-fastest time of 2:01:53 and three-time world half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor who will be making their debuts while Vincent Kipchumba will be returning to the English capital after a second-place finish in 2021.

“Winning last year’s TCS London Marathon was an incredible experience for me. I am now preparing hard for this year’s race and I can’t wait to return to London as the champion.

“London always has a really strong field and this year is the same so I know I will face a battle to defend my title, but I’m confident and looking forward to it.” Said Kipruto who won his maiden world marathon majors title in London.

The second-fastest man over the 42km race Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia will lead compatriots Mosinet Geremew and Birhanu Legese as well as last year’s runner-up Leul Gebresilase.

After withdrawing from last year’s race due to injury, four-time Olympic champion Mo Farah of Britain is set to compete in what could be his final race at home before calling time on his illustrious career.