- Alexander Munyao and Eliud Kipchoge are among the favorites to win the 2025 London Marathon title.
- Munyao has stated that has learned numerous valuable life lessons from Kipchoge.
- Some of the other runners who will feature in the upcoming London Marathon are Jacob Kiplimo, Hillary Kipkoech, Sabastian Sawe and Tamirat Tola.
London Marathon defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao has heaped a lot of praise on Eliud Kipchoge ahead of the 2025 London Marathon.
Munyao and Kipchoge will once again race against each other in the event that is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 27.
The two road race runners represented Kenya in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games alongside the reigning Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto.
Since then, Munyao has taken part in several races including the recently held Kagawa Marugame International Half Marathon, where he emerged victorious.
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The Ngong-based athlete clocked a time of 59:16 to finish ahead of his compatriot Emmanuel Moi Maru and Japan’s Tomoki Ota. Maru and Ota crossed the finishing line in 59:16 and 59:27 respectively.
On the other hand, Kipchoge, who has already won four London Marathon titles in his incredible career, is yet to compete in an official race.
How is Alexander Munyao shaping for the London Marathon?
Speaking exclusively to SportPesa Blog ahead of the eagerly awaited showdown, Munyao stated that his preparations are going on perfectly.
“My preparations are going on well, for now I am focused on building up. I don’t have another race other than the one I raced last week, Marugame Half Marathon in Japan,” he offered.
The 28-year-old also divulged that Kipchoge has taught him the essence of self-discipline and avoiding bad company.
“I always feel good and admire running with legend Eliud, he inspires me a lot. I have learned many lessons from Eliud for example practicing self-discipline and surrounding myself with the right people,” added Munyao.
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Stiff competition
Besides the former world record holder, Munyao is expected to fight for the London Marathon title against several other talented runners including the Kenya trio of Sabastian Sawe, Hillary Kipkoech and Timothy Kiplagat as well as the 2024 New York Marathon winner Abdi Nageeye.
Uganda’s debutant Jacob Kiplimo, Paris Olympic Games champion Tamirat Tola, Mohamed Esa and Milkesa Mengesha have also been confirmed for the 45th edition of the race.
Although Munyao has disclosed that he does not feel any pressure going into the race, he has acknowledged that he will have to be at his best to defend his title.
“I have no pressure, what I know is that the race will be very competitive due to the strong field,” ended the man who bagged last year’s title in 2:04:01.
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