Eliud Kipchoge's world record under threat as Kelvin Kiptum gears up for Chicago Marathon

The second-fastest marathoner in the world, Kelvin Kiptum will be heading to the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 8.

The youngster will be hoping to shut down one of the largest cities in the US with a great show. In a post on his Facebook page, the reigning London Marathon champion promised his fans fireworks.

He said: “The 2023 Chicago Marathon is on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Get ready for the show!”

Kiptum may be eyeing Eliud Kipchoge’s world record time of 2:01.09 and since Chicago is also a fast course, he might indeed make history there.

Earlier this year, at the London Marathon, the 23-year-old nearly obliterated the world record after he ran the second-quickest time.

Kiptum clocked 2:01:25 to win the race ahead of Geoffrey Kamworor who was also campaigning for a win on one of his favourite courses.

The Kenyan made his debut last year, at the Valencia Marathon and he clocked 2:01:53 to win the race. He faces a stern test as he heads to the Chicago Marathon but in his past records, he has proven to be unbeatable.

It is on very rare occasions that athletes manage to win marathons on their debuts with such impressive times and continue the winning streaks. Only three men in history have run under 2:02, and Kiptum is the only marathoner to do it under the age of 35.

Meanwhile, defending champion Benson Kipruto will be returning to Chicago hoping to win back-to-back titles. He was in action in Boston earlier this year, where he finished third, and will be keen to end his season on a high.