Jacob Kiplimo has described it as “amazing” to be competing against Eliud Kipchoge at the London Marathon on Sunday, recalling the moment he helped pace the Kenyan during his historic sub-two-hour run in Vienna in 2019.
“I remember 2019, when I was pacing Kipchoge,” Kiplimo said. “So for me it is a little bit amazing to compete with one of the greatest runners in history.”
Kiplimo, the current half marathon world record holder, will be making his highly anticipated full marathon debut in London, joining a field that includes Kipchoge, the four-time London Marathon winner and Olympic champion.
The Ugandan star’s past experience alongside Kipchoge, helping to set the early pace during the Ineos 1:59 Challenge, remains a source of inspiration as he prepares for the next step in his career.
While much of the pre-race attention has focused on whether Kiplimo can challenge for immediate success over 42.195km, the 23-year-old stressed his excitement at sharing the stage with a figure he has long admired.
His participation marks a full-circle moment, from supporting Kipchoge’s quest for a sub-two-hour marathon to now racing against him on one of the world’s biggest stages.
The London Marathon will mark a major test for Kiplimo as he transitions to the marathon distance, but his respect for Kipchoge’s legacy remains clear. “It’s amazing,” Kiplimo said. “He is one of the greatest.”
