Kenya’s fast-rising road race runner Kelvin Kiptum is on the verge of making history at the upcoming London Marathon slated for Sunday, April 23, 2023.
For the first time ever, two athletes who have completed a full marathon in under 2:02.00 will battle it out in the streets of London.
Kiptum is set to go head-to-head with legendary Ethiopian runner Kenenisa Bekele who has a personal best of 2:01.41.
Also Read: Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum Becomes Third Fastest Marathon Runner
Bekele set the above personal best during his triumph at the 2019 Berlin Marathon.
On the other hand, Kiptum had a full marathon debut to remember at the 2022 Valencia edition three months ago, outpacing veteran athletes to set a novel course record.
He produced the greatest performance ever witnessed in Valencia to reach the tape in a personal best time of 2:01.53.
His time is the third fastest in the universe. Only the reigning world record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Bekele have clocked faster times than him.
At London Marathon, the duo will be joined by other star athletes including the reigning world champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, Geoffrey Kamworor, and homeboy Mo Farah.
Defending champion Amos Kipruto, one-time Vienna City Marathon winner Vincent Kipchumba and Tokyo Marathon specialist Birhanu Legese are also expected to be in the star-studded lineup.
Speaking ahead of the eagerly awaited showdown, Kipruto stated that he is looking forward to competing with some of the world’s best runners.
“Winning last year’s TCS London Marathon was an incredible experience for me. I am now preparing hard for this year’s race and I can’t wait to return to London as the champion.
“London always has a really strong field and this year is the same so I know I will face a battle to defend my title, but I’m confident and looking forward to it,” stated the Kaptagat-based runner.
Top 5 confirmed entries for the event.
Kenenisa Bekele - 2:01.41
Kelvin Kiptum - 2:01.53
Birhanu Legese - 2:02.48
Mosinet Geremew - 2:02.55
Amos Kipruto - 2:03.13
Also Read: I Will Try One More Time to Smash Kipchoge’s World Record - Kenenisa Bekele