Two fastest men in history to go head-to-head at 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon
The gladiatorial match-up the whole world has been waiting for – Eliud Kipchoge versus Kenenisa Bekele – is ON and will take place this April at the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon.
The two greatest distance runners in history and the two fastest men ever over the marathon distance will go head to head on the streets of London on Sunday 26 April in a contest the world has been waiting to see.
Kipchoge (KEN) is the greatest marathon runner of all time. He became the first man to run a sub two-hour marathon at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge last year, he is the Olympic champion, four-time Virgin Money London Marathon winner and the official world record holder for 26.2 miles.
But that world record time of 2:01:39 was so nearly broken by Bekele at last September’s BMW Berlin Marathon. The Ethiopian great, who is the current world record holder for both the 5000m and 10000m, finished just two seconds outside Kipchoge’s world record.
Ever since that incredible run from Bekele, there has been a worldwide clamour for the two men to race each other again over 26.2 miles. Kipchoge confirmed prior to Christmas that he will run in the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon and today we can reveal that Bekele has taken up the challenge to run in what will be one of the most eagerly anticipated races in marathon history.
Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “This is a match-up of two of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen and two men who already have their names in the record books. We are thrilled we have been able to make it happen in London.
“It is truly fitting that this match up between two legends of the sport takes place at this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon, the 40th race in the fantastic history of our event. It is the head to head the world is waiting to see.”
