American sprint legend Michael Johnson has shared his thoughts on the recent world record-breaking performance by Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum’s remarkable achievement at the Chicago Marathon has sent shockwaves through the world, leaving many in awe of his incredible speed and endurance.
No other runner could be seen in the distance when Kelvin Kiptum tore through the finish line tape in Chicago.
The 23-year-old crossed the finish line at the Chicago Marathon with an unofficial time of 2 hours and 35 seconds. If confirmed, Kiptum will have beaten two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge’s record, set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, by 34 seconds.
It would also make Kiptum the first athlete in the world to break the 2 hours and 1 minute barrier in a record-eligible marathon.
Johnson shared his perspective on the ongoing excitement surrounding marathon world records.
“Marathons are riding a wave of world record excitement that will probably continue the next couple of years. But eventually, it’ll stop. Best to keep competition at the center of the narrative, and the records as a bonus,” he wrote.
If Kipchoge’s previous record felt like a quantum leap in the world of marathons, then Kiptum’s extraordinary achievement in Chicago can only be described as traveling at light speed.
Kiptum had already garnered attention with his impressive performance as the fastest male marathon debutant in history in Valencia back in December 2022.
Subsequently, at this year’s London Marathon, he set a course record of 2:01:25 seconds, narrowly missing Kipchoge’s record.
To witness Kiptum shatter the world record by a staggering 36 seconds is not only a testament to his unparalleled talent but also a reminder that in the world of marathons, nothing is impossible, and everything is within reach.
The race itself was a spectacle of speed and endurance. By the 5-kilometer mark or 3.1 miles, Kiptum and fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko had already broken away from the pack of runners, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
Neck and neck until approximately 30 kilometers or 18.6 miles, Kiptum then surged ahead with unwavering determination, leaving Mateiko trailing behind.
Mateiko eventually dropped out of the race, conceding the victory to his compatriot, while Belgian runner Bashir Abdi claimed the third position.
Notably, four Americans—Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Galen Rupp, and Sam Chelanga—secured spots in the top 10, showcasing the depth of talent in the marathon world.
