The marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge faces a fierce test at the London Marathon with rising star Alexander Munyao ready to challenge.
Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge is gearing up for another epic battle at the London Marathon on April 27, but one man he cannot afford to overlook is Kenya’s rising star, Alexander Munyao Mutiso.
The 28-year-old Mutiso sent a strong message to his rivals on Sunday with a record-breaking win at the Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon in Japan, clocking 59:16 to reclaim the title he lost last year.
Mutiso’s victory comes just two months before he defends his London Marathon crown, where Kipchoge, a four-time champion will be among the elite field aiming for glory.
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With his latest performance, Mutiso has shown he is not just a one-time London Marathon winner but a serious contender who can take down even the biggest names in the sport.
Kipchoge must watch out
Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, is returning to London after a disappointing outing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he failed to finish. The Kenyan superstar, who boasts a personal best of 2:01:09, is hunting for a record-extending fifth London Marathon title.
However, standing in his way will be a star-studded lineup, including Olympic champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia, Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha, New York City Marathon winner Abdi Nageeye, and marathon debutant Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda.
But perhaps Kipchoge’s biggest concern should be Mutiso, who pulled off a surprise victory at last year’s London Marathon, defeating Ethiopia’s distance running icon Kenenisa Bekele with a personal best time of 2:04:01.
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Speaking ahead of his title defense, Mutiso exuded confidence, saying he is not intimidated by the big names in the field.
“I will prepare without any pressure. I know the lineup is strong, but the big names do not scare me. Everyone there is capable of winning, and this will not be my first time facing such a strong competition,” Mutiso said before jetting out for his latest triumph in Japan.
Alexander Mutiso: The rising force in marathon running
Mutiso’s recent performance in Japan is a clear indicator that he is in peak form and ready to battle it out with Kipchoge and the rest of the world’s best marathoners.
Mutiso’s homestretch surge in Japan to beat fellow Kenyan Emmanuel Maru (59:19) and Japan’s new national record holder Ota Tomoki (59:27) proved his racing intelligence and strong finishing ability—qualities that will be crucial in London.
His win in Marugame was particularly special because it marked the fastest time ever on the course and cemented his reputation as one of the most in-form distance runners in the world.
Can Kipchoge regain his throne?
Kipchoge, who will be 40 by race day, knows time is not on his side, but if there’s one thing he has mastered over the years, it is rising to the occasion when it matters most.
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A victory in London would not only reaffirm his dominance but also prove that he still has what it takes to fend off younger rivals like Mutiso.
With Sebastian Sawe, Tamirat Tola, Milkesa Mengesha, and now Mutiso in the mix, the 2024 London Marathon is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent history.
