Kelvin Kiptum responds to questions of breaking sub two-hour marathon barrier in Rotterdam

ATHLETICS Kelvin Kiptum responds to questions of breaking sub two-hour marathon barrier in Rotterdam

Abigael Wafula 08:32 - 10.11.2023

Kelvin Kiptum has disclosed that he is not under the pump to run the race in under two hours at the Rotterdam Marathon.

Reigning World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum is not under any pressure to attempt the sub-two-hour marathon anytime soon. 

Kiptum will be heading to the Rotterdam Marathon next year in April where he will be keen to lower his Personal Best time, meaning he will be looking to lower the world record time. However, he explained that he would not necessarily be looking to run under two hours at the event.

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“The two-hour barrier is in my head, but that is something for the future and not a specific goal for Rotterdam.

"2024 is an important year for me. I want to run fast in Rotterdam and get a medal during the Olympic Games in Paris.

"In Rotterdam, I want to break my personal record and therefore the world record. If I prepare well and the conditions are good, improvement is possible,” he said as per Hardloop Network.

Meanwhile, Kiptum made his debut in the full marathon in December 2022 at the Valencia Marathon. He won in Valencia in a fabulous time: 2:01:53, the fastest marathon debut ever.

Barely six months later he won the prestigious London Marathon in 2:01:25, the second fastest time in the marathon.

His finishing power in London was also impressive since he ran the second half solo in a time under an hour, never before seen in a marathon.

Kiptum recently won his third marathon in Chicago in a new world record time. Kiptum clocked 2:00:35 to win the race and completely shatter Eliud Kipchoge’s world record time of 2:01:09.