Top class field ready to block Farah’s London Marathon bid
DOUBLE Olympic champion Mo Farah admits he faces one of the toughest challenges of his career, as he bids to become the first British male winner for 21 years of the London Marathon against an elite field unveiled yesterday.
The 30-year-old is set to make his debut over the 26.2-mile course on 13 April against world record holder Wilson Kipsang, Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich, last year’s winner Tsegaye Kebede and course record holder Emmanuel Mutai.
And Farah, who ran half of last year’s race, is relishing his return to the streets of London.
“I am expecting it to be one of my toughest races and a real learning experience,” he said.
“I gained a lot of valuable experience running part of the course alongside the top guys last year and can’t wait to race over the full distance this April.”
Farah added the world 5,000m and 10,000m titles to his Olympic double last year, but is yet to confirm whether he intends to compete at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, which begin in July.
“I had another great year on the track in 2013,” he added.
“But the marathon is my main focus for this year.”