Kelvin Kiptum, the reigning London Marathon champion, is gearing up for the 2023 Chicago Marathon on October 8 with his sights set on breaking Eliud Kipchoge’s world marathon record.
Kiptum made headlines when he triumphed at the London Marathon on April 23, finishing in a remarkable time of 2:01:25. This incredible achievement came in only his second-ever marathon race, putting him tantalizingly close to shattering Kipchoge’s world record of 2:01:09, set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.
His meteoric rise in the marathon world began at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, where he recorded the fastest-ever marathon debut, crossing the finish line in 2:01:53. Kiptum’s performances have solidified his status as a rising star in the sport, and he stands as the only marathoner to achieve a sub-2:02 time under the age of 35.
The 23-year-old sensation announced his participation in the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on his Facebook page, promising fans an electrifying showdown.
“I’m heading for the 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Get ready for the show,” Kiptum’s post exclaimed.
Kiptum opted out of the Budapest 2023 World Athletics Championships and the Berlin Marathon to focus his training and preparation on the Chicago event.
Fans had anticipated a thrilling showdown between Kiptum and Kipchoge on the Berlin Marathon track to gauge Kiptum’s speed against the two-time Olympic champion. However, that duel will have to wait for another day.
At the Chicago Marathon, Kiptum will be joined by the 2022 Chicago Marathon winner, Benson Kipruto, who achieved a personal best time of 2:04:24 in his victory.
Kipruto, a consistent performer, secured third place in both the 2022 and 2023 Boston Marathons with 2:07:27 and 2:06:06, respectively. He will be determined to defend his title against the youthful and promising Kiptum. Other Kenyan contenders in the mix include John Korir, with a marathon best of 2:05:01, and debutants Daniel Mateiko and Wesley Kiptoo.
However, the Kenyan athletes will face stiff competition from Belgian Bashir Abdi, based in Somalia, who clinched gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Representing the host nation, the USA will be Galen Rupp, a silver medalist in the men’s 10,000m at the London Olympics and a bronze medalist in the men’s marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Rupp brings his formidable skills to the race.
Seifu Tura, winner of the 2021 Chicago Marathon and the runner-up in the 2022 edition, adds further depth to the competition.
In the women’s category, defending champion Ruth Chepngetich aims to break Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa’s record of 2:11:53, established recently at the Berlin marathon. Chepngetich, who triumphed at the Chicago Marathon in October last year, came tantalizingly close to breaking Brigid Kosgei’s previous world record of 2:14:04 by a mere 14 seconds.
Chepngetich will be joined by Joyciline Jepkosgei, who secured second place in the 2022 London Marathon, and Stacy Ndiwa, boasting a personal best time of 2:31:53.
Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba, the current world record holder in the indoor mile, 3,000m, and 5,000m, presents a formidable challenge for the Kenyan contingent. She is also a gold medalist in the 1,500m at the 2015 World Championships.
Emily Sisson of the USA, the current American record holder in the marathon, is poised to contend with the African elite. Sisson set this record on October 9 during the Chicago Marathon when she finished second at 2:18:29.
The 2023 Chicago Marathon boasts a massive field of 47,000 participants, making it the largest edition to date, surpassing the 2019 event that featured 45,932 participants.
