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08/08/2020
After months of intensive work and consultation with London’s authorities, organizers, it confirmed the plans for The 40th Race on Sunday 4 October 2020.
The Virgin Money London marathon will stage a unique contest on October 4th 2020 and for the first time in the history of the event the top two marathon runners in the world will be on the start line as the Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge take on Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele.
Kichoge had a “lab test” at the beginning of October 2019 when he ran 1:59:40.2 Ineos challenge, the fastest time ever for the marathon distance, this feat was achieved with the help of a team of substitute pacemakers who also formed a wind shield from start to finish. under normal race conditions a maximum of three pacemakers is permitted and no substitutes are allowed
At the age of 36 Eliud Kipchoge can look back on a long and successful career as a long distance runner. He won the world 5,000m title in 2003, silver and bronze medals at the Olympic Games over the same distance in 2004 and 2008 respectively and is the reigning Olympic Marathon champion, thanks to his victory in Rio in 2016.
VIDEO: Kipchoge Vs Bekele In a past competition.
The 38-year-old Ethiopian is the most successful long distance track runner in history. Three times Olympic champion and World champion on five occasions at 5 and 10,000m, he has also won 11 World Cross Country titles over the short and long distances. For good measure, he also holds the world records for 5000 and 10,000m.
Elite races for men, women and wheelchair athletes will take place on an enclosed looped course in St James’s Park in a secure biosphere (a contained safe environment like that of Formula 1 and England cricket) and times will be eligible for Olympic qualification.
“The long-awaited head-to-head between Eliud Kipchoge (Kenya) and Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia) will headline the men’s race and world record holder Brigid Kosgei (Kenya) heads the women’s field."
There will be no spectator access to maintain the biosphere but BBC Sport plans to broadcast eight hours of coverage during the day. (Please note: access to most of St James’s Park will be maintained for local residents and park users.
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