Sabastian Sawe targets Kelvin Kiptum’s London Marathon course record

Defending champion Sabastian Sawe believes he can break the late Kelvin Kiptum’s course record at Sunday’s London Marathon.

The 29-year-old Kenyan triumphed in last year’s race with a time of two hours, two minutes and 27 seconds.

Speaking ahead of the prestigious event, the reigning victor stated that Kiptum’s three-year-old mark of 2:01:25 is well within his sights.

When questioned whether his footwear possessed the required quality to deliver a new world best, the elite distance runner simply replied in the affirmative.

Kiplimo presents primary challenge

His most formidable opposition will likely come from Ugandan star Jacob Kiplimo, who arrives in the English capital fresh from winning the Chicago Marathon.

The home crowd will be disappointed by the absence of Emile Cairess, after the Olympic fourth-place finisher withdrew due to a persistent calf injury while chasing Mo Farah’s British record.

However, domestic hopes remain resting on the shoulders of Mahamed Mahamed, alongside Paris 2024 Olympian Phil Sesemann and Patrick Dever.

Adding a unique subplot to the elite men’s race, reigning Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee returns to the streets of London to act as a pacemaker.

Assefa eyes further history

In the elite women’s contest, Ethiopian sensation Tigst Assefa intends to shatter her own women-only world record as she defends her crown.

The reigning champion established the current benchmark of 2:15:50 at this exact event last year, sensationally lowering the previous standard by 26 seconds.

My training has gone well, it has been better, even, than my preparation last year, so I think it is possible to beat the record I set last year.

Tigst Assefa

Standing in the way of back-to-back victories is a formidable lineup featuring New York Marathon winner Hellen Obiri and British contenders Eilish McColgan and Jess Warner-Judd.

McColgan reflected warmly on the incredible atmosphere during her debut over the iconic 26.2-mile course last year.

I didn’t even know how I was putting one foot in front of the other after 20 miles, but I was somehow moving forward in some sort of manner, and without the crowds I think that would have been a hell of a lot harder.

Eilish McColgan