Boston Marathon, one of the world’s oldest long-distance races, is scheduled for Monday, April 17.
Although more than five former champions will be seeking to clinch the coveted title, all eyes would be on the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, and rightfully so.
Fans from all works of life hope the Kaptagat-based runner smashes his world record of 02:01.09, which he set on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the Berlin Marathon in Germany.
However, due to the regulations set by World Athletics, it will be impossible for the one-time milk seller to officially lower the mark, even if he produces a sub-two-hour performance.
According to sports analysts, it would be difficult due to the elevation and the marathon's course.
The Boston Marathon, unlike other World Marathon Majors (WMMs) like Berlin, London and Chicago Marathons, has its finishing line and starting points far apart.
In simpler words, it does not go in a loop, thus failing to meet the criteria set by the World Athletics.
“Performances achieved on courses where the start and finish points, measured along a theoretical straight line between them, are further apart than 50 per cent of the race distance are not valid for world records,” part of the statement from the world governing council read.
In addition, the route's elevation does not meet the required standards for a world record to be officially ratified.
The Boston Marathon's elevation is nearly three times more than the required standard. Its scale is about 3.24 metres per kilometre, higher than the required 1: 1000 scale.
“Performances achieved on courses with a drop in elevation between the start and the finish which exceeds 1:1000, i.e. 1m per km, are not valid for world records and entry standards,” the statement from the World Athletics website continued.
According to Kipchoge, his motivation going into Monday’s showdown is to win all six World Marathon Majors rather than setting a new world record. So far, the father of three has clinched four (Berlin, London, Tokyo and Chicago).
In a statement issued a few weeks ago, Kipchoge revealed that he was ready to face the Boston challenge.
“I always want to participate in all six Abbott World Marathon Majors and try to win them all.
“I’m in the right direction towards the Boston Marathon on April 17. The training sessions are going on well, especially the long runs on our ‘Boston training route’ have been good so far. I can’t wait to take this challenge,” he ended.
Should he emerge victorious in Boston, he would only have to bag the New York City Marathon title to become the first athlete to win all six races.
At the age of 38, the athlete nicknamed the “Philosopher” still has much to offer, and as he has always reiterated that no human is limited.
Apart from Kipchoge, some of the other Kenyan athletes who would grace the eagerly awaited event include Hellen Obiri, defending champion Evans Chebet, Amos Kipruto and Albert Korir.
43-year-old Edna Kiplagat would also be seeking to clinch her third Boston Marathon title on Monday.
The winner of the 2023 edition is expected to pocket a whopping $150000 (approximately Ksh 20 million) in prize money.
