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Eliud Kipchoge Sets Sights on 2024 Tokyo Marathon as Pivotal Step in Paris Olympic Pursuit

©Eluid Kipchoge’s Facebook

In a strategic move ahead of the Paris Olympics, Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic men’s marathon champion, has confirmed his participation in the Tokyo Marathon on 3 March 2024. This decision allows the 39-year-old Kenyan runner a crucial five-month window to assess his fitness before the Paris Games in August.

Choosing Tokyo as a preparatory ground underscores Kipchoge’s meticulous planning, granting him recovery time he wouldn’t have had with other spring marathons. Both the Boston and London marathons are slated for April.

Kipchoge, often hailed as the “world’s greatest marathoner,” left his mark on the Tokyo Marathon in 2022 with a record-setting time of 2:02:40. As he aims for an unprecedented third Olympic marathon win, Kipchoge is also pursuing victory in all six World Marathon Majors, with Boston remaining his unconquered challenge.

The recent world record adjustment by Kelvin Kiptum at the Chicago Marathon hasn’t deterred Kipchoge. The former record holder (2:01:09) remains unwavering in his pursuit of excellence.

The composition of Kenya’s three-man Olympic marathon team for Paris is pending, with contenders including Kipchoge and Kiptum, among others.

In a video shared on Instagram, Kipchoge expressed his admiration for Japan, saying, “Your culture is so pure, disciplined, and kind. I am inspired by you.” Turning to the camera, he added with anticipation, “Tokyo, I can’t wait to come back to you.”

 

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