On a high after winning the silver medal at the Berlin marathon three months ago, Kenyan Amos Kipruto is confident of breaking Bekele's course record in Tata Steel Kolkata 25km race Sunday.
Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele had set the course record of 1 hour 13 minutes 48 seconds in the unique 25km event last year.
Talking to reporters Friday, the 26-year-old said he's perfectly in shape to better Bekele's record here.
"After Berlin, I had some injury problems but I'm fully fit now and feel ready to break the record," Kipruto said.
Kipruto has the best timing of 1:00:24 in half-marathon in Sweden,
"It has inspired me, he lives just 800 metres away from my house."
"Last year's race changed my life and I am happy to return here."