Paris 2024 Olympic Games Men's Marathon Preview
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The men's marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is shaping up to be a historic event, set to unfold on Saturday, August 10. Headlining the race is Eliud Kipchoge, the Kenyan marathon maestro aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic title. At 37, Kipchoge's illustrious career boasts four of the top ten fastest marathon times ever, including a world record of 2:01:09 set in Berlin in 2022.
Kipchoge's recent performance at the Tokyo Marathon saw him finish in tenth place with a time of 2:06:50, marking a rare moment of vulnerability. He finished more than four minutes behind the race winner, Benson Kipruto, who has clocked the fastest marathon time this year. This sets the stage for a fiercely competitive Olympic marathon.
The rivalry between Kipchoge and Ethiopian legend Kenenisa Bekele will be one of the key narratives in Paris. Bekele secured his Olympic team spot with a strong second-place finish at the London Marathon in April, clocking 2:04:15. The duo's rivalry dates back to 2003 when Kipchoge defeated Bekele at the World Championships in Paris.
Both athletes last faced each other at the 2018 London Marathon, with Kipchoge emerging victorious. This upcoming Olympic race promises to reignite their competitive spirits on a grand stage.
The Ethiopian team is also formidable, featuring 2022 world champion Tamirat Tola and Deresa Geleta. Tola, a consistent performer, finished third at last year's London Marathon and won the New York Marathon, setting a course record. Geleta, meanwhile, captured the Seville Marathon with a record-breaking time of 2:03:27.
European contenders include Abdi Nageeye from the Netherlands and Belgium's Bashir Abdi, both of whom finished behind Kipchoge at the Tokyo Olympics. Nageeye recently won the Rotterdam Marathon, showcasing his readiness with a time of 2:04:45, while Bashir Abdi holds the second fastest European time of 2:03:47.
Victor Kiplangat leads the Ugandan contingent as the 2023 world champion, having set his personal best in Hamburg. His seasonal best this year came at the Tokyo Marathon, adding depth to an already competitive field.
Italy's Yeman Crippa, transitioning from track and half-marathon successes, will make his major marathon debut, having broken the Italian record with a time of 2:06:06 in Seville.
The UK's Emile Cairess, who placed third at the London Marathon, and the Eritrean trio of Samson Amare, Berhane Tesfay, and Henok Tesfay, all posting times within the 2:07 range, round out a deep and diverse field, setting the stage for a marathon that promises dramatic competition and potentially historic performances.
