Kenya’s Abel Kirui Eyes Marathon World Record

Two-time world champion expects to break the mark in Moscow.

He’s a two-time world marathon champion. And now Kenya’s Abel Kirui is talking about breaking the world record.

According to a report posted on the All Africa Web site, Kirui says he will go for Patrick Makau’s mark of 2:03:38 August’s world championships in Moscow.

But he will first run London in April.

“I am in good shape and I want to use London Marathon next month to gauge my speed,” he said.

Kirui went on to point out that he thinks London won’t be fast because the race is tactical.

“London has always attracted the best marathoners and it is difficult to go for the record here as we tend to size up each other throughout the race,” he admitted.

Kirui’s world championship victories came in 2009 and 2011.

In London, he squares off against Makau as well as Olympic bronze medalist Wilson Kipsang. Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede, who owns a 2:04:38 best for the 26.2-mile race, is also another runner to watch.

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