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Kelvin Kiptum expresses desire to run historic sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam

Reigning Chicago Marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum will be seeking to become the first man to run a marathon in under two hours and be recognized by World Athletics.

World marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum is not resting on his laurels as he looks to dethrone the marathon kings and make history this year.

Kiptum, the reigning Chicago Marathon champion will be opening his season at the Rotterdam Marathon where he hopes to break the sub-two-hour marathon barrier.

Speaking to Gulf Times, the Kenyan explained that for now, his training and thoughts are on the marathon and he will be seeking to become the first man to ever run the marathon in under two hours with the recognition of World Athletics. 

Eliud Kipchoge was the first man to run a marathon in under two hours, however, his effort did not count as a new world record under World Athletics rules due to the setup of the challenge.

“It’s already known, the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. I would like to grow further, and so, inevitably, break the barrier," the reigning London Marathon champion said.

"I’ll go there to run fast; the course is ideal and the crowds in the streets push you to give your best. I would love to be a part of the rich history of this marathon.

“If the preparation goes in the right direction, with peaks of 270 kilometers per week, and the weather conditions permit, I will go for it [sub-two]."

Kiptum has enjoyed a remarkable 2023, breaking the men’s marathon world record where he took 34 seconds off the previous record in winning the Chicago Marathon in two hours and 35 seconds.

He also won the London Marathon in April in 2:01:25, which at the time was the second-fastest time ever.

He noted that he will be competing at the Rotterdam Marathon because the organizers of the race are linked to his management.

“In 2022 I was supposed to run it, to make my debut but a slight injury stopped me. This will be the right time,” he said, adding that one of his other goals is to compete at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

“As a team, we will collaborate, but then everyone looks out for themselves.

“I could also aim for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships, I saw the race in Budapest which fascinated me,” he added.