Kenya's Kimetto warns Bekele breaking world marathon record requires special preparations

NAIROBI — World marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto of Kenya has remained defiant warning it will take more than just talent to break his record.

Kimetto, who set the record 2:02.57 in Berlin in 2014, was reacting to Ethiopia's Kenenisa Bekele claims he has what it takes to break the world record and wants to do it soon.

Speaking on Saturday evening ahead of the Tata Steel 25K in Kolkata, India on Sunday, Bekele said he wants to break the world record for the marathon before he retires.

The Ethiopian, who already holds the world marks for 5000m and 10,00m, missed the world record of Kimetto (2:02:57) by six seconds at the 2016 Berlin Marathon.

"My plan is to break that record before I retire. I want to break marathon record before I retire. So of course, my time is second best in the world this time (Berlin marathon 2016) but still you know I have capacity to run faster and in better time," he said.

Bekele is targeting a fast time in the 25 kilometer race in Kolkata on Sunday. The all-time World best stands to Dennis Kimetto at 1:11:18 and Bekele is targeting a time of 1:12 if the weather conditions are not extreme.

"At the sea level it is possible to break the world record if the conditions are not extreme and if the pollution level is within control, then you can breathe properly and your legs function well. Although I have not seen the track [course] yet, I think I would set myself a target of 1:12," Bekele added.

Kenya will have a strong contender in the women's race with Helah Kiprop and Valentine Kipketer leading the chance for gold.

Both athletes are keen to compete at the Commonwealth Games and will be using the race in India to gauge their endurance and speed before Kenya names its team to the Gold Coast club games.

Interestingly in the new IAAF Competition Rules 2018-2019 the number of events in road racing at which World records are ratified was lowered and 15 km, 20 km, 25 km and 30 km are no longer World record events.

These rules are in force from Nov. 1.