Wilson Kipsang has predicted that Kenyan distance running will be "very strong" at this year's World Championships in Beijing.

Marathon-runner Kipsang, the 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, is hoping to be one of three Kenyan representatives in China later this summer, and regardless of his selection, he is tipping his nation to win medals at the 26.2-mile distance.

The 33-year-old is quoted by Xinhuanet.com as saying: "I am very proud to be a part of the preliminary selection for the upcoming World Championships.

"I have never represented my country at a World Championships before, so I am very excited. The preliminary selection consists out of six athletes and only three of us will go to Beijing.

"If I make the final selection, I will try to reclaim the men's world marathon title for Kenya. The Kenyan men and women selection is very strong this year with some of the fastest runners on the marathon distance."

Uganda's Stephen Kiprotich won gold in Moscow in 2013.