Nairobi, Dec 4 (IANS): Former World marathon record holder Patrick Makau will compete in his first 42km distance Sunday at the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan.

However, Makau will face stiff challenge from compatriot and defending champion Martin Irungu Matathi as the two go out at full throttle to prove they are back to their best form, reports Xinhua.

Also returning are Kenya's surprise 2012 champion Joseph Gitau and Ukraine's 2005 winner Dmytro Baranovskyy.

"I have so many doubts in my mind over the race. It will be a challenge, but the biggest test will be myself. I have been out for long and though I have run in a few events, they have not been easy and I do not expect a walk in the pack in Fukuoka," Makau said here Wednesday.

The 29-year-old wants to catch two birds with one stone in Fukuoka.

"I can run two hours anbd five minutes in Fukuoka. Based on the quality of training I have gone through since returning to my best form. It is possible, my knee injury is completely healed and soon the focus will be on the world record."

But it is important for Makau to win in Fukuoka and get a good time.

"The World record will come in focus after Fukuoka. But for the time being, the biggest hurdle is to win a marathon and Fukuoka is the first shot. Thereafter, I will try to see where to run and what will be at stake," he said.

For two years, Makau agonised over his fitness and even thought of hanging up his running spike. But Sunday, the former Berlin and Hamburg champion will be keen to silence his critics when he lines up at the Fukuoka Marathon.

"It has been two years of frustrations. I have been in and out of Kenya seeking medical attention. I have been to Germany more than three times to consults doctors and have seen as many doctors in Kenya," Makau said.

"But the injury, which I picked up while training in Ngong, has since healed and I have had two races without any problems, in Prague and Valencia. Now the main challenge for me is to conquer my own fears and go for the title in Fukuoka," Makau said.