Eliud Kipchoge

News

17-01-2020
3

mins

It's on! Bekele v Kipchoge

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

Hugh Brasher

Virgin Money London Marathon Event Director

Bekele, whose best finish in the London Marathon was second in 2017, said: “I am thrilled to be returning to London. I feel like I have unfinished business here and I would love to win this beautiful race.

“I am looking forward to racing against Eliud once again. We have had many great battles over the years on the track, roads and cross-country. He is a special athlete who proved that again with his magnificent achievements last year.

“I feel like my win in Berlin proved that I am still capable of winning the biggest races in the world and in world-class times. I am really looking forward to what I can do in London.”

I am thrilled to be returning to London. I feel like I have unfinished business here and I would love to win this beautiful race

Kenenisa Bekele

Three-time Olympic champion

Kipchoge and Bekele have previously met four times over the marathon distance, including twice at the Virgin Money London Marathon (2016 and 2018), with Kipchoge coming out on top each time. But Bekele has the better head-to-head record over all distances and surfaces.

Bekele is also a three-time Olympic gold medallist and he has won 17 world titles on the track, cross-country and indoors.

The two men spearhead the elite men’s field at the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon which also includes the second and third-placed finishers from last year, Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun.