Kelvin Kiptum, the accomplished Kenyan athlete, has experienced an extraordinary 2023, having shattered the men’s marathon world record. Now, with aspirations soaring, Kiptum aims to achieve the unprecedented feat of running the first sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam in April.
In October, in only his third marathon, Kiptum carved an impressive 34 seconds off the previous record, clinching victory at the Chicago Marathon in a remarkable two hours and 35 seconds. Earlier in April, he secured a triumph at the London Marathon with a time of 2:01:25, then the second-fastest in marathon history.
When queried about his next target, Kiptum promptly responded, “It’s already known: the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. I would like to grow further and, inevitably, break the barrier.”
Reflecting on his choice to prioritise intensive training for these records, Kiptum revealed the sacrifices, saying, “It’s a choice made in full conscience, in agreement with my wife, to focus 100% on my goals.” This dedication has led him to see his family only once a week during training periods.
The upcoming Rotterdam Marathon holds special significance for Kiptum, as he was originally slated to make his debut in 2022 but was hindered by a slight injury. Now, he believes the timing is right for this awaited endeavour.
Looking ahead, Kiptum has set his sights on competing in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he is one of the 10 pre-selected members of the Kenyan team. With three coveted spots available, he expressed his ambition, stating, “There are three places, and I want to be there.”
As he envisions breaking new barriers, Kiptum mused about the possibility of aiming for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships. However, for the immediate future, all his training and focus converge on Rotterdam, with the dream of etching his name in history as the first athlete to complete a marathon in under two hours.
“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,” affirmed the determined Kenyan.
Kiptum added, “If the preparation goes in the right direction, with peaks of 270 kilometres per week, and the weather conditions permit, I will go for it.”