The new kid on the block who broke the world record in just his third career marathon chose to be in Rotterdam next year, an announcement that caught many by surprise.
Being the world marathon record holder after eclipsing Eliud Kipchoge's time in Chicago to become the first man to go sub 2.01 in an official race, many expected Kelvin Kiptum's next marathon to be one of the World Marathon Majors.
However, the new kid on the block who broke the world record in just his third career marathon chose to be in Rotterdam next year, an announcement that caught many by surprise.
However, the NN Rotterdam Marathon holds a profound significance for Kiptum. Originally scheduled to debut there in 2022, an injury forced him to delay his plans. The 2024 edition presents an opportunity to compete there.
Kiptum is not only targeting to set a new personal record but also aim for the world record. This focus forms part of his 2024 plans including a hopeful medal at the Paris Olympic Games.
"I will try at least to beat my world record here,” Kiptum said while being presented the marathon bib Number One. “I know I’m capable of doing that if my preparation works out well and the conditions are okay. And in that case, I will get close to the sub-2 barrier. So why not aim to break it," he posed.
Back in 2019, he made his first appearance there, but as a pacer. He was set to return in 2020 before Covid-19 hit forcing its cancellations while his 2022 start was stopped by the previously mentioned injury.
“I want to return here to run fast,” Kiptum said. “This flat course lends itself to fast times and the enthusiastic masses of people along the road push us forward.I would like to be part of the rich history of this marathon.”
The current course record is 2:03:36, set in 2021 by Somali-Belgian marathoner Bashir Abdi, who also emerged the winner of this year’s event in a time of 2:03.47.