Tamirat Tola aims for marathon world record at New York Marathon

Olympic champion Tamirat Tola will make his bid for the world marathon record at the New York City Marathon later today, November 3, starting at 4:30 PM EAT. Tola is looking to break the current record set by the late Kelvin Kiptum, which stands at two hours and 35 seconds. Kiptum achieved this mark during the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

Tola, the reigning champion of the New York Marathon, aims to make history by becoming the first man to win both the Olympics and the New York Marathon in the same season. Instead of focusing on next year’s World Athletics Championships, he is determined to chase Kiptum’s record in New York.

“I hope to attack the world record,” Tola stated, according to Olympics.com. He also mentioned his plans to compete in the Berlin Marathon next year if his training goes well.

This week is particularly special for the Tola family, as Tamirat’s wife, Dera Dida, is set to compete in the women's race. Their three-year-old son, Fenan, is also in New York to support them.

Tamirat expressed excitement about sharing this experience with Dera, noting that it is their first marathon together since Dubai in 2018. “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,” he said.

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