Kipchoge tips Kamworor or Bekele to break his world marathon record
World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge believes either World Half Marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor who is his training partner or Ethiopian rival Kenenisa Bekele could match him and better his current time of 2:01.39.
The Olympic champion was speaking to People Sport yesterday during a food distribution programme where the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation partnered with ABSA Bank in North Rift areas of Iten, Kaptagat and Kapsabet, to help needy athletes during the tough times brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Kipchoge said any athlete was capable of breaking any record and view the duo as the most possible ones to do it soon, but announced his intentions of chasing a good time during this year’s London marathon set for October 4.
“No human is limited. I know anyone can break the marathon record and I will be happy if Kamworor or Bekele do it first, and I want to commend Joshua Cheptegei for his good performance in Monaco last week,” he said.
He added: “My immediate target is defending my title at the London marathon in October.
Am not going for anything less because my training is good. It has been a while without competition but all will be well when the day comes.”
Kipchoge will be facing Bekele, who missed his record by only two seconds, at the London race.
The race is the only remaining one in the World Marathon Majors (WMM) after all races were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
ABSA yesterday injected Sh150,000 in each of the three stations (Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet, Kapsabet in Elgeyo Marakwet and Kapsabet in Nandi County) to support 300 athletes.
“Am one of the athlete who knows the importance of having a full stomach before you go for a run that is why I started the initiative of donating food to vulnerable athletes. We are behind athletes and they need to train hard,” he said.
ABSA Bank’s Director Finance, Corporate and Investment Moses Muthui said athletes needed to follow their dreams to succeed in life.
“I want to commend Eliud for what he is doing on young and upcoming athletes who are the future and pride for this country.
When you have succeeded in your career, it’s good to support others as well. We are human and we need to share what we have,” said Muthui.
