Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge has called on athletes worldwide to be careful and remain healthy to defeat the coronavirus pandemic.

The sports industry has lost billions of dollars since the outbreak struck, with hundreds of races canceled or postponed.

Kipchoge has himself seen his training go down the drain as he was scheduled to compete in the London Marathon on April 26 and the Tokyo Olympics, which have both been postponed.

Now, the 35-year-old marathon world-record holder has retreated to his home in Eldoret, after his training camp in Kaptagat was closed down by the Kenyan government.

"We closed camp and I have been training individually, which required that I reduce my workload, and at the same time keep fit and focused on the next period of time after the virus has been contained," Kipchoge said.

With no competition and prospects of making an income, Kipchoge has not given up but looks at it as another chance to redeem himself. He said that what matters to him now is his own safety and that of his family.

"Of course this is a global problem. We must fight it. But what is crucial now is the safety of my family," added Kipchoge.

"That is why we are keeping safe as we see how things unfold regarding the virus. It has affected everyone around the world and the only solution is to follow the government-set guidelines."

Kenya's world 5,000m champ Helen Obiri said it was important for athletes to lead the race against the spread of the disease.

"We all need to run away from the risk of transmitting the coronavirus," said Obiri.

"I advise Kenyans to feel inspired and exercise at home. Stay at home and reduce movement. The outbreak will be managed."

World 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot is expecting fast times whenever the action eventually resumes.

"I feel that many athletes may have taken a break from training but they are training individually, however the virus will not slow down the athletes because they will come back stronger," said Cheruiyot.

Xinhua