Paris Marathon course record holders Elisha Rotich and Judith Korir are set to return to the French capital on April 13, aiming to reclaim their crowns and etch their names further into history.
Rotich rewrote the course record books in 2021, obliterating Kenenisa Bekele’s 2:05:04 mark from 2014 with a blistering 2:04:21 finish.
He led Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros (2:04:41) and compatriot Hillary Kipsambu (2:04:44) to the podium during his historic run.
The following year, Korir clocked 2:19:48 to shatter the previous mark of 2:20:55 held by compatriot Purity Rionoripo set in 2017.
Organisers announced a large turnout out including the two course record holders.
“The Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris returns for a colourful 48th edition on April 13, which will welcome more than 55,000 participants.”
“The most important running event in France will feature the fastest man and woman in the event’s history —Rotich and Korir,” organisers said in a statement.
Rotich will be keen to improve on last year’s performance in the Paris Marathon, where he failed to reclaim his title, finishing third in 2:06:54.
He trailed Ethiopia’s Mulugeta Asefa (2:05:33) and Kenya’s Titus Kipruto (2:05:48).
Rotich boasts a strong resume over the 42km distance, including his 2018 Eindhoven Marathon triumph where he clocked 2:07:32.
He led compatriots Laban Mutai (2:07:38) and Vincent Rono (2:07:50). In 2019, he finished runners-up in Seoul, clocking 2:06:12 just behind compatriot Thomas Kiplagat (2:06:00) and ahead of Mike Boit (2:06:22).
The same year, he secured a third-place finish in Amsterdam clocking 2:05:18 with Vincent Kipchumba (2:05:09) and Ethiopia’s Solomon Deksisa (2:05:16) claiming to spots.
He will be in the company of Frankfurt Marathon champion Benard Biwott who will be featuring in his second race over the 42km distance.
