World half marathon record holder Abraham Kiptum will also be running the London marathon

Kiptum is among a host of elite athletes set to battle it out on the streets of the English capital in what will be his maiden appearance in the lucrative race that counts as part of the World Marathon Majors.

The 29-year-old set a new world record of 58 minutes and 18 seconds at the 2018 Valencia half marathon in October 28 just a few months after setting a personal best of 59:09 at the Copenhagen Half Marathon.

Kiptum enjoyed a successful 2018 season whereby, two months after smashing the world record, he competed at the inaugural Abu Dhabi marathon in December where he finished second clocking 2:04:16 behind compatriot Marius Kipserem (2:04:04) a feat he is hoping to maintain in 2019.

“Abu Dhabi was my last race last year. I have started my build ups and I hope to pick on where I left last season. I also pray that I maintain the fitness that I had last year,” Kiptum told Citizen Digital.

posted Thursday January 17th