Edwin Kiptoo targeting course record at the 40th edition of the Athens Marathon

ATHLETICS Edwin Kiptoo targeting course record at the 40th edition of the Athens Marathon

Abigael Wafula 18:28 - 10.11.2023

Edwin Kiptoo will be aiming to break the course record set by Felix Kandie in 2014 at this year's edition of the Athens Marathon.

A titanic battle awaits as more than 21,000 runners are set to descend on the streets of Athens to participate in the 40th edition of the Athens Marathon on Sunday, November 12.

The race comes after a two-year hiatus and has attracted one of the strongest elite fields in both the women’s and men’s races.

The men’s race is headlined by Edwin Kiprop Kiptoo who has had a mixed season so far and will be searching for his first win of the season this year.

He achieved an impressive season-best time of 2:08:56 at the Seoul Marathon, finishing seventh in the race before proceeding to finish third and eighth at the XL Mexico City Marathon Telcel 2023 and ASML Marathon Eindhoven respectively.

In 2022, he clocked a world-class time of 2:06:52 to finish seventh at the Haspa Marathon. Kiptoo will be aiming to break the course record set by Felix Kandie in 2014, which stands at 2:10:37.

He will face opposition from compatriot Rhonzas Lokitam Kilimo who has also shown great potential this year, recording a time of 2:08:08 in the marathon.

Kilimo will be among the top contenders vying for victory in the race. The competition in the men's elite race promises to be fierce, with these exceptional athletes pushing each other to their limits.

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Meanwhile, Caroline Jepchirchir headlines the women’s field with a Personal Best time of 2:26:11. This year, she achieved a commendable time of 2:27:46 to finish sixth at the Vienna Marathon. Jepchirchir's consistency and impressive performances make her a strong favourite in the women's category.

Vaida Zusinaite-Nekriosiene from Lithuania will also be taking a starting position in the elite race. With a personal best time of 2.36.04, Zusinaite-Nekriosiene has proven her ability to compete at a high level.

She will undoubtedly be looking to make her mark and challenge the top contenders. The stage is definitely set for an unforgettable event.