ADDIS ABABA– The world has been waiting to see the competition between Kenenisa versus Kipchoge at London Marathon which will take place on April 26, 2020.
The race organizers announced last Thursday that Kenenisa Bekele had confirmed his participation in the race, joining the crowded elite field that has Kipchoge and the Ethiopian Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun.
Kenenisa and Kipchoge, the two greatest distance runners in history and the two fastest men ever over the marathon distance will go head to head at this World Athletics Platinum Label road race in a contest the world has been waiting to see.
The world record was nearly broken by Kenenisa Bekele at last September’s BMW Berlin Marathon. Kenenisa Bekele, who is the current world record holder for both the 5000m and 10,000m and twice World Athlete of the Year, finished just two seconds outside Kipchoge’s world record.
But, Kipchoge is the Olympic champion, a four-time London Marathon winner and the official world record holder. In October, he became the first man to run a sub-two-hour marathon at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.
Kipchoge, 35, confirmed in December that he had been returning to London. Kenenisa, 37, has also taken up the challenge to run in what will be one of the most eagerly anticipated races in marathon history.
“This is a match-up of two of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen and two men who already have their names in the record books,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon. “We are thrilled we have been able to make it happen in London.”
“It is the head to head the world is waiting to see.”
Kenenisa, whose best finish in the London Marathon was second in 2017, said “I am thrilled to be returning to London. I feel like I have unfinished business here and I would love to win this beautiful race.”
“I am looking forward to racing against Eliud once again. We have had many great battles over the years on the track, roads, and cross-country. He is a special athlete who proved that again with his magnificent achievements last year.”
“I feel like my win in Berlin proved that I am still capable of winning the biggest races in the world and in world-class times. I am looking forward to what I can do in London.”
Kenenisa and Kipchoge have previously met four times over the marathon distance, including twice in London (2016 and 2018), with Kipchoge coming out on top each time. But, Kenenisa has a better head-to-head record over all distances and surfaces.
Kenenisa is also a three-time Olympic gold medalist and he has won 17 world titles on the track, cross-country and indoors.
The two men spearhead the men’s field which also includes the second and third-placed finishers from last year, Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun.
Kenenisa Bekele still holds the 5,000m and 10,000m world records, which were set in 2004 and 2005 respectively, and insisted he was capable of claiming Kipchoge’s marathon best even at the age of 37.
“My training is going well and I feel well,” he said. “Before last year I was struggling with injury. Everyone knows I’m a strong athlete from 15 years on the track. When we came to the marathon I’ve struggled may be to achieve good results but of course, this is because of injury, not a lack of training or my personality. I was a bit behind but my health came back and now I’m doing a lot better in the marathon.”
The pair have met four times over 26.2 miles, with Kipchoge winning all four races. However, Bekele has a better head-to-head record across all distances and surfaces. “I am looking forward to racing Eliud once again,” added Bekele. “We have had many great battles over the years on the track, roads, and cross-country. My big dream is to break the world record and an amazing performance will happen at the London Marathon.”
The Ethiopian Herald January 28 /2020
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
