Sifan Hassan namechecks Kipchoge among three marathoners to break sub-two hour barrier

ATHLETICS Sifan Hassan namechecks Kipchoge among three marathoners to break sub-two hour barrier

Abigael Wafula 09:00 - 24.12.2023

Sifan Hassan believes Eliud Kipchoge, Kelvin Kiptum, and Kenenisa Bekele can dip under two hours in the marathon.

Reigning Chicago Marathon champion Sifan Hassan has shared her sentiments on who she believes will run the sub-two-hour marathon in the coming years.

In an interview on Thursday, December 21, Hassan explained that the future is very uncertain but she is sure that Eliud Kipchoge, Kelvin Kiptum, and Kenenisa Bekele are the only ones qualified to dip under two hours in a full official marathon.

Kiptum is the current world record holder and the 24-year-old has been in impressive form. His marathon progression has been very impressive since he made his debut at last year’s Valencia Marathon.

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Kipchoge, the former world marathon record holder, is also in great form and will be bidding to make an impact at next year’s Olympic Games by winning his third successive title.

The Ethiopian, Bekele, declared that he still has it in his legs and will also be eyeing the Olympic Games next year. He finished fourth at the Valencia Marathon earlier this year.

“We don’t know about the future, but for now, Eliud, Kelvin, and Kenenisa Bekele are the three men capable of running sub-two,” the Dutch woman said.

Meanwhile, Hassan has also had a great 2023 season, winning all her two marathons. She made her debut at the London Marathon and was surprisingly the eventual winner of the race.

Hassan then proceeded to the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and competed in the 1500, 5000m and 10,000m and finished third, second, and 11th respectively.

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