Kipsang, Mutai Eye NYC Record

Published by All Africa on October 14, 2014

Defending champion Geoffrey Mutai and former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang are targeting a course record during the New York City Marathon on November 2.

Mutai, who is the two-time New York City Marathon winner, currently holds the races' course record of 2:05.6. The two Kenyans are spoiling for a major fight next month and if their level of high competition road running is anything to go by, they are likely to steal the show.

Kipsang, whose previous world marathon mark of 2:03.23 was lowered by Dennis Kimetto (2:02.57) about two weeks ago, said he is keen on setting the course record. "I will be running at this year's New York City Marathon and my focus is to try and set a new course record," Kipsang confirmed.

He believes a course record is not far fetched considering he will be competing against a strong field which includes defending champion Mutai. "We will work together with Mutai and I believe the kind of competition we will display will be very tough and if the conditions are favourable, then a new course record will no doubt be within reach," Kipsang added.

Kipsang clocked 2:04.29 to win the 34th London Marathon in April--that being his only major event he has featured this year. Mutai on the other hand, will be trying to better his course record time of 2:05.6 apart from eyeing to successfully defend his title. With no pace setters for the NYC race, the performance will depend on the level of competition among the runners.