Kenya’s Kevin Kiptum has recorded a time of 2:00:35 in the Chicago marathon becoming the first man to mark a sub 2:01 record.

With this record, he has destroyed the 2:01:09 record posted by Legendary Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge.

Kiptum shot into the marathon scene with a 2:01:53 record at the 2022 Valencia Marathon. He ran a blistering 60:15 second half. After debuting as the third man in history to run under 2:02.

The 23-year-old raced to a London course record of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds, the second-fastest time in history and just 16 seconds shy of Eliud Kipchoge’s world record.

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“A world record was not in my mind today,

“I knew one day I would be a world record holder.

“I saw the time after 35km and I said let me try maybe I can run under 2:00,”  the 23-year-old said after the race.

Kiptum was evidently the man to beat as he strode alone from the 35 Km mark shedding off training partner Daniel Mateiko with whom they had stomped toe to toe together from the 20km mark.

He becomes the first man in history to break 2:01, Subject to the usual ratification procedures.

Compatriot Benson Kipruto finished second coming in three minutes later at 2:03:27.

Belgium’s Bashir Abdi came in third. John Korir was the third Kenyan in the top five as he came home fourth.