In this April 22, 2018 photo, Nancy Kiprop of Kenya reacts as she crosses the finish line as the first the women during the Vienna City Marathon in Vienna, Austria. (JOE KLAMAR / AFP)

NAIROBI - Kenya's Vienna City champion Nancy Jepkosgei Kiprop, 41, leads a group of African runners to the Nagoya Marathon which will be held on March 8 in Japan.

The course record in Nagoya is held by Bahrain's Eunice Kirwa at 2:22:08 from 2016

"I have hopes of making the World Half marathon team, but I have a contract to compete in Nagoya," Kiprop said on Wednesday.

Kiprop is not letting her vast age deter her quest for the fast time in the second race of the year after she finished second in January at the Santa Pola Half Marathon in Spain where she clocked 69.32.

The Nagoya marathon has been restricted to elite athletes only, to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

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Kiprop last race in the 42km distance was in New York (2:26:21) in November, where she lost to compatriot Joicelyne Jepkosgei.

"I have done well in training and hope to benefit from a good show in Nagoya," added Kiprop.

She, however, faces the stiff challenges from compatriots Stellar Barsosio, Honolulu marathon silver medalist Betsy Saina, Truphena Chepchirchir and Purity Cherotich. Others are Ethiopia's Helen Tola, Birke Debele, Tibebu Damte and race defending champ Johannes Helalia from Namibia.

"They are strong athletes and I have to be at my best to stand a chance. I still have a few years to run at the top and I want to make maximum use of the time," said the 41-year-old.

The course record in Nagoya is held by Bahrain's Eunice Kirwa at 2:22:08 from 2016.