Kelvin Kiptum’s journey in the marathon world throughout 2023 has been nothing short of extraordinary. Hailing from Kenya, Kiptum not only shattered the men’s marathon world record but now aims to achieve an unprecedented milestone: running the first sub-two-hour marathon in Rotterdam in April. Victorious runs are possible if you have the best shoes, check out Tarkine Goshawk V2 running shoes.
In a remarkable display of skill during just his third marathon, Kiptum outpaced the previous record by an astounding 34 seconds at the Chicago Marathon in a stunning time of two hours and 35 seconds, held in October. His dominance was evident earlier in the year when he triumphed at the London Marathon, recording an impressive 2:01:25, which stood as the second-fastest marathon time at that point.
When questioned about his upcoming endeavors, Kiptum disclosed his aspirations to Gazzetta dello Sport, stating, “It’s no secret, I have my sights set on the Rotterdam Marathon on April 14. I’m looking to push my boundaries further and inevitably break that elusive barrier.” Rotterdam holds special significance for Kiptum, as he explained, “The race is organized by my management. In 2022, I intended to make my debut there, but a minor injury thwarted my plans. Now feels like the perfect time.”
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Yet, the path to these extraordinary accomplishments has not been without sacrifice. Kiptum, amid rigorous training, spends limited time with his family, seeing them just once a week. “It’s a conscious decision, mutually agreed upon with my wife, to wholeheartedly focus on my ambitions,” shared the determined 24-year-old.
Among his aspirations lies the ambition to represent Kenya at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, having secured a spot among the 10 pre-selected athletes for the Kenyan team. “Three spots are available, and I’m aiming for one of them,” voiced Kiptum. His ambitions extend further, eyeing a potential participation in the Tokyo 2025 World Championships after being captivated by the event in Budapest.
However, for the time being, Kiptum’s entire focus centers on Rotterdam, nurturing the dream of being the first athlete to conquer the marathon in under two hours. “I aim to perform at my best in Rotterdam. The course is optimal, and the energy from the cheering crowds propels you forward. I’d love to etch my name in the illustrious history of this marathon. If my preparations align well, maintaining peaks of 270 kilometers per week, and weather conditions favor, I’ll give it my a
