Kiplimo ready for full marathon debut in London

LONDON - Ugandas half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo said he was well-prepared and ready to do his best when he makes his full marathon debut in London on Sunday.

Twice world cross country champion Kiplimo, who shattered the half-marathon record by 48 seconds in Barcelona in February, will feature in a stellar field that includes Ethiopias Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and marathon great Eliud Kipchoge.

I am so grateful to be here, the 24-year-old told a news conference on Thursday.

It will present a lot of challenges because the half-marathon is not like the full marathon, but I have prepared myself well and hope on Sunday to do my best.

I just want to run my own race, so that I can run my personal best.

London Marathon director Hugh Brasher described Kiplimos debut as the most fascinating ever.

“We have no idea what he will do on the day, he said. Can he be the first athlete to run inside two hours in a race? Yes. But who knows what will happen. We’ll find out on Sunday.”

Kenyas defending mens champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao will be running in London for the second time and expected an epic day with what he called the strongest field ever.

I got courage from winning last years marathon so I said I would keep on coming here, to try my best again, he said.

Kipchoge, the former world record holder and four times London winner, is back in the capital for the first time since 2020 but the 40-year-old said this time was all about giving back.

I am coming here to support Londons good causes, said the Kenyan. It is about the charity events being done by London Marathon, that is why I am here.

The 2016 and 2020 Olympic champion,