Alexander Mutiso: Fastest Kenyan in 2024 London Marathon talks Olympic Games dream

Alexander Mutiso is one of the most underrated Kenyan runners of the 21st century based on the incredible achievements that he has had since venturing into the competitive athletics field.

A brief look at his profile in the World Athletics website tells the story of a humble runner who is destined for greatness.

Mutiso, who is on the verge of hitting his prime, has been a force to reckon with in different road races since making his half-marathon debut several years ago.

The one-time World Athletics U18 Championships silver medalist has managed to secure a podium-place finish in nearly all the races that he has taken part.

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He recently finished second at the 2023 Valencia Marathon edition which was staged on Sunday, December 3 behind Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma.

The Ngong-based runner clocked a personal best time of 2:03.11, which was an 18-second improvement from his previous lifetime best of 2:03.29.

Mutiso’s half marathon personal best of 57.59, which is the fourth fastest in history was also set in Valencia on Sunday, December 6, 2020.

The 27-year-old is expected to take part in his first-ever Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMMs) road race later this year.

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The industrious athlete was among the star runners who were three days ago confirmed for the 2024 TCS London Marathon which is slated for Sunday, April 21.

Mutiso, who heads to London as the fastest Kenyan, will square it out for the prestigious title with the likes of compatriots Geoffrey Kamworor and the highly-rated debutant Daniel Kibet Mateiko.

Ethiopian runners led by the legendary Kenenisa Bekele, Leul Gebresilase and the 2023 New York City Marathon champion Tamirat Tola will also be in contention.

In an exclusive interview with Sportpesa News, Mutiso disclosed that he is ready for the showdown.

“I have no pressure at all because when I check the start list of the elite field, I have raced with some, more so from Ethiopia,” he commented.

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When asked whether there is a possibility of someone smashing the current course record of 2:01.25 which was set by the late Kelvin Kiptum nearly 11 months ago, Mutiso noted that several factors will have to come into consideration.

According to him, anything is achievable as long as one is ready to work towards attaining it.

“It is possible. It will depend on how someone has trained for it and also the weather conditions will determine on that day,” he explained.

Finally, the 2020 Santa Pola International Half Marathon winner made clear his aspirations of representing Kenya in the Olympic Games in the near future.

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“My dream to represent Kenya in the Olympic Games is valid. I am looking forward to being considered in the marathon team,” ended Mutiso.

The untimely demise of Kiptum, who set the current world record of 2:00.35 in Chicago last year, has left a void in Kenya’s Paris Olympic Games provisional marathon squad.

Should Mutiso perform well at the TCS London Marathon in April, he may be considered to be among the Kenyan men who will accompany the defending champion Eliud Kipchoge to Paris.

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Some of the 2024 TCS London Marathon male entries

Kenenisa Bekele – Ethiopia – PB (2:01.41)

Mosinet Geremew – Ethiopia – PB (2:02.55)

Alexander Mutiso – Kenya – PB (2:03.11)

Tamirat Tola – Ethiopia – PB (2:03.39)

Dawit Wolde – Ethiopia – PB (2:03.48)

Leul Gebresilase – Ethiopia – PB (2:04.02)

Geoffrey Kamworor – Kenya – PB (2:04.23)

Daniel Kibet Mateiko – Kenya – Debut