The London Marathon champion has revealed his ambitions for the big race which has attracted top names such as four-time winner Eliud Kipchoge and Olympics champion Tamirat Tola.
London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso is welcoming the tough competition he is set to face in the English capital as he bids to defend his title.
Mutiso is up against a strong field in the race set to take place on April 27 with four-time time winner Eliud Kipchoge, Olympics champion Tamirat Tola, Abdi Nageeye, the New York Marathon winner and Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha.
The field also includes Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo, the two-time World Cross-Country champion, who will be making his marathon debut, Timothy Kiplagat, who finished second in Tokyo last year, and world half marathon champion Sebastian Sawe.
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Mutiso won the 2024 London Marathon in a time of 2:04:01 having outwitted Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele, who looked like he was to pull off a major win, and now he feels it is possible to lower the time and silence all his competitors.
“It is very possible to defend my London title with a new Personal Best. I have enjoyed sufficient rest after the Paris Games. I took a break from full marathons after Paris to focus on winning London again and in a new time,” Mutiso said as per Sports Illustrated.
“Winning in London last year was special to me as it was my first time participating in a major. It changed my life for the better and uplifted my profile. My prayer is to dominate the London race in as many years as possible.”
Mutiso knows he is coming up against a formidable lineup in London with a number of rivals having run faster times than his but he is relishing the opportunity.
“You have to beat the best so as to win, and competition will make the race better and enjoyable. The competition will actually go a long way in helping me hit new time. The race traditionally attracts big names, and I have been preparing knowing that I will be up against the best in the world,” added Mutiso.
In London, Mutiso will not just be looking to run a faster time but also gain redemption after his poor outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics when he could only finish in 21st position despite going to the Games as a medal prospect.
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Ruth Chepng’etich has emphasized meticulous preparation over pressure ahead of the London Marathon, hinting at surprises in a star-studded race.
