Kipsang eyes world record at new-look Tokyo marathon

Athletics - 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon Preview - London - 20/4/16 Kenya's Wilson Kipsang during a press conference ahead of the 2016 Virgin Money London Marathon Action Images via Reuters / Peter Cziborra Livepic

(Reuters) - Former world record holder Wilson Kipsang believes he can reclaim the mark at this weekend's Tokyo Marathon after a move of the finish line by race organisers resulted in a flatter course.

The Kenyan set his then world record of two hours, three minutes and 23 seconds at the 2013 Berlin Marathon but his mark was shattered by compatriot Dennis Kipruto Kimetto, who lowered it to 2:02:57 in the same race the following year.

"I don't think it would be a surprise if I rewrote it (the world record)," Kipsang, a bronze medallist in the 2012 London Olympics, was quoted as saying by Kyodo news.

The Kenyan added that he hoped to take seven seconds off the world record in Sunday's event, which was first held in 2007 and saw Kenya's Dickson Chumba run a men's race record of 2:05:42 in the Japanese capital three years ago.

(Reporting by Shravanth Vijayakumar in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)