London Marathon: Kipchoge ready for duel against Mo Farah

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge celebrates with second placed, Ethiopia's Tola Shura Kitata and third placed, Britain's Mo Farah after the men's elite race [Courtesy]

Having cemented his name as the greatest marathoner runner of all times by breaking the world record, Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge returns to London Marathon seeking a fourth title on Sunday.

The question many will be asking is: Will the fastest marathoner in the world continue his almost-perfect winning streak?

Kipchoge, 34, shattered the world record in Berlin last September, clocking 2:01:39 to clip a massive 78 seconds off the previous record held by another Kenyan Dennis Kimetto.

He made his breakout at the 2003 World Championships in Paris where, at the age of 18, he won the world 5000m title.

More medals over the distance followed, but he found his true calling over the marathon, winning 10 of the 11 races he’s contested over the distance, including the 2016 Olympic title.

Kaptagat-based Kipchoge will square off with former world record holder Wilson Kipsang, Britain’s Mo Farah, a third finisher last year in London, Ethiopians trio of  Shura Kitata, Mosinet Geremew, and Leul Gebresilasie.

Gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge celebrates during the winning ceremony for the 45th Berlin Marathon in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018 [Courtesy]

“I had a memorable 2018, winning the London Marathon and then setting a new world record at the Berlin Marathon. I’m hoping that 2019 is just as good,” Kipchoge told the organizers ahead of Sunday’s race.

He continued: “I am looking forward to racing Mo Farah again. He is a great champion and proved in Chicago that he can win a major marathon so I relish the battle with him and also the many other great athletes that are in the start line”

Kipchoge further added: “My preparation has been good. I am fit, I think I will have a good result.”

On his part Kipsang, has had incredible marathon career and will be making his sixth appearance at London marathon having won it in 2012 and 2014, setting a course record of 2:04:29 on his second triumph.

In between those victories, he earned the Olympic bronze medal in 2012 and set a world record of 2:03:23 in Berlin in 2013.

“This will be a comeback race for me,” Kipsang told the organisers earlier this month. “I’m focused on winning.

The men’s category also includes World Half Marathon record holder Abraham Kiptum and former London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru.  

Farah will attempting to win the London Marathon thus become the first Briton to win the title since Eamonn Martin in 1993

The 35-year-old won his first marathon at last year’s Chicago Marathon registering 2:05:11 a PB and new European record.

“I feel I have made great strides in the past year, finishing third in London, and winning my first major marathon in Chicago in October last year. That and breaking both the British and European records has given me the confidence that I can compete against the best marathon runners in the world,” he said.