Kipchoge tips Kiptum to break world marathon record soon

Marathon record holder, the man regarded as the classic distance’s GOAT, Eliud Kipchoge has tipped his compatriot, London Marathon champion and the second-fastest man in the distance, Kelvin Kiptum to break the world record.

Additionally, the two-time Olympic champion tips more marathoners to dip under two hours, having set the ball rolling in on 12 October 2019 at Vienna's Prater park, where he ran the 4.4 laps of the Hauptallee in 1:59:40, becoming the first person in recorded history to break the two-hour barrier over a marathon distance.

New course record, PB for sensational Kelvin Kiptum in historic London marathon win

Kipchoge’s World Athletics recognised record of 2:01:09 set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon came under threat when 23-year old Kiptum had the performance of a lifetime in only his second marathon, to floor a star-studded field at this year’s London Marathon to win the title in 2:01:25.

The time was just 17 seconds shy of beating Kipchoge’s marathon world record. Kiptum ran a negative split, after breaking away from the rest of the field at the 31km mark, to completed the second half of the race in just 59: 45, the fastest half marathon ever seen in a full marathon race.

His winning time was almost three minutes faster than compatriot and two-time New York Marathon winner Geoffrey Kamworor, who was second in 2:04:23, and 3 minutes 34 seconds ahead of marathon world champion Tamirat Tola, who finished third in 02:04:59.

“His was a great performance. I hope he breaks that record in future. Records are meant to be broken and I hope he, or anyone else goes on to run under 2 hours. I have led the way, breaking the marathon record twice and running under two hours and I hope more athletes post these times.

When Roger Bannister, at the age of 25 ran the mile in under four minutes in 1954, it was a message to the world that it is doable and within a month 21 people had followed suit. I believe sooner, more athletes will go under two hours,” Kipchoge offered in a recent interview on the sidelines of the "Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Isuzu D-Max Limited" launch.

Kipchoge was on Thursday 25 May honoured by Isuzu as the company launched a limited-edition vehicle, the "Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Isuzu D-Max Limited", aimed at celebrating Kipchoge's exploits in Vienna, running under two hours. Only 159 of the limited-edition vehicles will be produced.

“This is a great honour from Isuzu. It is an example to the entire world that someone will reward hard work,” Kipchoge opined.

“Despite the performance in Boston I am happy to keep inspiring generations. There is beauty in inspiration and that is what my career is all about at this point. My performance in Boston was also a lesson to everyone that nothing in life is guaranteed, it is never a smooth ride. What matters is holding oneself to account for any shortfalls,” he offered, asked what his lessons from his most-recent race in Boston were.