Olympic champion Tamirat Tola reveals where and when he will look to obliterate Kelvin Kiptum's marathon record

Olympics marathon champion Tola set an ambitious target with regards to the current men’s marathon record set by the late back in 2023.

The 33-year-old is the favourite to retain his marathon title with the race set for November 3 from 4:30 PM EAT.

The Ethiopian is tipped to successfully defend his New York City marathon title on November 3.

He is also  looking to become the first man ever to win at both the Olympics and in New York in the same season. That improvement in mind is not targeted for next year’s World Athletics Championships, but instead he wants to chase down the late Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum’s record mark of two hours, 35 seconds, set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

“I hope to attack the world record,” he said plainly according to “I hope to be able to run in Berlin next year. If I’m in good shape and if my training goes well, I’d like to try the world record in Berlin.”

Tamirat Tola is counting on experience to drive him to another New York Marathon victory as bids to make further history.

It’s a very special week for the Tola family as a whole, too, as Tamirat’s wife, Dera Dida is set to run in the women’s race.  The duo will be watched by their three-year-old , Fenan, who is also in New York. 

Tamirat said his wife is relishing the challenge and can’t wait to get started. “She’s really enjoying it. She loves getting calls from people back home and saying, ‘I’m in New York! I’m in America!’”

Tola said it’s the first time that both he and Dera competed at the same marathon since Dubai in 2018. Last year, she and Tola’s brother, Abdisa, won side-by-side titles at Dubai, too. “I’m happy to have my family here; it boosts my confidence. I think she will benefit, too. Knowing that I’m here will inspire her.”