Kipchoge will be at London Marathon, but not racing

LONDON : Eliud Kipchoge will be the star attraction at the London Marathon this weekend but the Kenyan, who smashed his own world record for the distance in Berlin on Sunday, will restrict his exertions to handing out medals in the Mini-Marathon.

Kipchoge, a four-times winner in London, clocked two hours, 01.09 seconds to take half a minute off his own record set on the same Berlin course four years ago.

Returning to London he will present medals to thousands of youngsters racing parts of the course on Saturday, finishing under the famous gantry on The Mall.

In an initiative for this year, new race sponsor Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) will give the school of every child who finishes 10 pounds ($10.78) per participant to spend on PE or IT equipment.

"We are thrilled that Eliud will be with us this weekend. He is, without doubt, the GOAT of marathon running and will be a huge inspiration to everyone taking part," said event director Hugh Brasher.

The London Marathon will revert to its usual April date next year, increasing the chances of a return for Kipchoge as the optimum course of Berlin, traditionally held in September, remains his main draw when records are in his sights.

"They've got a fast course but we've got the biggest charity fundraising, the crowd, so many things that just make London so special," Brasher said.

"I'm honestly delighted that he went to Berlin and broke that world record and we would be absolutely delighted to have him back in 2023. We're just so pleased to have him here as an ambassador this week."

Briton Mo Farah, now 39, won the Mini Marathon three times and will be the man the locals want to see on Sunday. Brasher said he hoped the example of Kipchoge could persuade Britain's finest ever distance