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The world marathon record holder will get the grueling race started as top names battle for honours
World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathon runner in history, will be the official starter of the 2023 TCS London Marathon on Sunday, April 23.
Kipchoge is the only man to have run inside two hours for the marathon at the 2019 Ineos Challenge (1:59:00) and has four-time London Marathon titles (2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019).
Kipchoge also holds the London Marathon course record (2:02:37) and will be the official starter for the elite men’s race and the mass start.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony, the four-time Berlin Marathon champion said the London Marathon will always have a special place in his heart as he expressed gratitude for being given the opportunity.
“I am looking forward to cheering on all my fellow runners participating on Sunday. I wish everyone taking part, whatever your reason for running, the very best of luck,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gordon Perry, the first London Marathon wheelchair race winner in 1981, will start the elite wheelchair races at 09:15, on the 40th anniversary of his win.
The elite women’s race will be started by two former London Marathon champions. Norway’s Ingrid Kristiansen and Ireland’s Catherina McKiernan.
Kristiansen has, like Kipchoge, won the London Marathon on a record four occasions (1984, 1985, 1987, and 1988) while McKiernan won the 1998 edition of the London Marathon 25 years ago.
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