:London Marathon-bound Kenenisa Bekele claims he is the greatest long-distance runner ever

For all the stars lacking from Sunday’s London Marathon, it has been tempting to miss that a type of on the begin line is arguably the greatest distance runner in historical past.

Indeed, to go Kenenisa Bekele’s view of himself, there is little room for debate in any respect. His confidence comes with some justification, given the Ethiopian holds three Olympic gold medals, 17 world titles spanning cross-country, monitor and street, and held world data throughout 5,000m and 10,000m for 15 and 16 years respectively. He is additionally No 2 on the all-time marathon record.

But it is the Kenyan at No 1 in regard of the latter, Eliud Kipchoge, who has tended to maintain Bekele in the shade in wider discussions round the finest there ever was, and that has solely intensified since he broke his marathon world report final weekend.

Kenenisa Bekele has admitted he thinks he is the greatest long-distance runner of all time

The 40-year-old has picked up a listing of achievements throughout an illustrious profession

Despite that achievement, Bekele is of the view that his accomplishments throughout a broader vary of distances provides him the edge. 

Speaking forward of Sunday’s Marathon, the place he will try and land his first London title at the age of 40, he stated: ‘What I did in world championships, Olympics, cross country and the world records – for those competitions of course I am the best.’

‘With the marathon I couldn’t achieve what everybody hoped. Somehow I failed with some marathon races. But, on the other hand, my marathon times also tell you something. 

He is bidding to win the London Marathon for the first time ever this Sunday at the age of 40

Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge, Bekele’s rival, is the world record holder for a marathon race

‘I am second overall behind Eliud Kipchoge. And it was very close. It was only two seconds until last week.

‘So this tells everyone: it doesn’t matter if I win a marathon or 10 occasions or 20 occasions, what number of athletes can run this time? Of course I’m not good. I’ve not likely achieved all the spectators or my followers needed from me. But, on the different hand, these outcomes weren’t straightforward to realize.’

Bekele shall be amongst a restricted variety of star names in the elite fields this weekend following the withdrawals of Sir Mo Farah, Brigid Kosgei and Eilish McColgan.