World's two fastest marathoners expected to face off

A duel between history’s two fastest marathoners is shaping up at next year’s Olympics games in Paris.

Kelvin Kiptum, who set the fastest marathon time in history on Sunday, has said he is looking forward to race Eliud Kipchoge, who is renowned as the world’s greatest marathoner, and the previous world record holder.

“I am looking forward to competing with him (Kipchoge) if I will be selected to represent Kenya in the Olympics. I am ready to race with him,” the 23-year-old Kiptum said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Kiptum and Kipchoge, both Kenyans, hold the two fastest marathon times on record, 2:00:35 and 2:01:09 respectively.

Kipchoge has won the last two Olympic male marathons and has confirmed his desire to win a record third Olympics medal next year.

Kiptum has also expressed his interest in taking part in next year’s Olympics.

However, both will need to first be successfully selected for Kenya’s Olympics team.