World record holder Wilson Kipsang has dismissed suggestions that anyone could come close to running under two hours any time soon for the marathon.
The two-hour mark is the elusive barrier in distance running but Kipsang, who holds the current best of 2:03:23, insisted it would be well after his career that anyone might get close to that.
“A sub-two hour marathon is possible but it will take some years,” said Kipsang, who is among the leading contenders for Sunday’s Virgin Money London Marathon. “Maybe when I am a grandfather guys will break two hours.”
The 32-year-old is hoping to improve on his world-record time on the streets of London thanks to the pacemaking duties of Haile Gebrselassie, who plans to lead the elite men to the three-quarter mark.
Kipsang, who set his record in Berlin last year and won in London two years ago, said: “I think I can go faster, maybe even in London. I am coming to London to win, this is my third time and I’m well prepared and I know what to expect.”
The Kenyan, who boasts marathon victories in Frankfurt, Honolulu, and Otsu and has been averaging about 120miles in training each week, had a torrid race on the streets of London a year ago, finishing fifth.
“When you don’t win, you get that experience and you take it in your bag for the next race,” he said.
“And this year is a great field but I don’t really mind who is here. I know what I can do and don’t look to the others.”
