Kiptum: I am ready to face Eliud Kipchoge in Paris
By Vincent Voiyoh, October 11, 2023The new World men marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum has revealed his desire to face compatriot Eliud Kipchoge who is regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time.
Kiptum, 23, convincingly shattered Kipchoge’s one year-old world record in the streets of Chicago on Sunday afternoon, clocking an astonishing time of 2:00:35 to go on top of the globe.
His memorable performance ensured that Kipchoge’s 2:01:09 that he ran in Berlin in last year only lasted for one year.
The two greatest long distance runners could go head on at the Paris Olympics next year if selected to be part of the national marathon team for the Summer Games and a nod from their respective managements.
Word on the street has it that the two could not have been paired to race against each other in the Berlin Marathon but if all things remain constant the world could experience the most spectacular marathon ever should both Kiptum and Kipchoge agree to go to Paris.
“I am more than ready to represent my country. If I am selected for Paris Olympics I will be more than willing to go there and compete,” Kiptum said.
About racing against Kipchoge, Kiptum was quick to respond: “I am ready to face him in Paris if I am selected.”
Kiptum, a father of two received a heroic welcome back home on Tuesday morning, characterized by red carpet, flowers and dance immediately after landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International airport.
The government of Kenya had kept her word on rewarding sports personalities in the country who breaks the world record abroad.
His stellar show in Chicago, Kiptum has been rewarded Sh 5m from the state, become the second athlete in the country to receive the cash appreciation after Faith Kipyegon who ran record times in May and June in Paris and Florence respectively.
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba while congratulating the new king of road racing said the government was keen on bettering the rewards and training environments for sportsmen and women in the country.
“The number one brand ambassadors of our country is our sportsmen and women.The have raised our name high and we continue to celebrate and be proud of them.The government has robust reward scheme that ensure no athlete will leave Kenya to go and compete for other countries.We want to appreciate our heroes and heroines in the most appropriate manner.” Ababu said.
Kiptum is expected to take a deserved rest before embarking on another breath-taking program that could see him better his personal best next year.