When Kenenisa Bekele races, records are always in danger. The same can be said for the 2:03:45 Bank of America Chicago Marathon course record, which will now be targeted by the 3-time Olympic Gold medalist as he competes in his second career marathon on October 12th. Race director Carey Pinkowski made the announcement on Tuesday, saying “any time an athlete of Bekele’s caliber lines up to race, course records and world records are in jeopardy.” Course records are one thing, but a World Record? Could we actually see Bekele take down Wilson Kipsang’s 2:03:23 on US soil?

 

If recent history tells us anything, the Chicago Marathon looks like the perfect opportunity for Bekele. His marathon debut saw him run 2:05:03 in Paris, a course record and the 6th fastest debut in history. The 32-year old has seamlessly transitioned from the track to the roads, and looks the part of someone ready to at least take down Dennis Kimetto’s course record from last year. The course in Chicago is fast, much faster than the Paris course which has several uphill climbs. If Bekele can run tactically smart without the help of pacers (he had three in Paris), then a record of some sort is within his realm of possibilities.

 

Here’s how Bekele can take down Kipsang’s World Record…

 

1. Call Dennis Kimetto

Last year, Kimetto ran perfect splits en route to his course record 2:03:45. How perfect? The Kenyan ran 1:01:52 through the half and followed that up with a 1:01:53 last 13.1. Bekele would be wise to ask Kimetto how this pacing masterpiece can be accomplished, and follow whatever advice he offers.

 

2. Perfect Conditions

The weather at the Chicago Marathon has been unpredictable in recent years, as the 2007 race had to be shutdown after temperatures reached 87 degrees. While it’s unlikely to see that type of heat, Fall races are often either very cold or extremely hot. Bekele needs something in between to run the race he is capable of.

 

3. Competition

It’s too bad that both Kimetto and Wilson Kipsang are racing the Berlin Marathon, Bekele could have used them in Chicago. Without those two, Bekele will have to find someone else to help him break the World Record. There are only a few men that have sub- 2:04 within their reach, and even fewer who are willing to try and break it. With at least one other athlete willing to run with Bekele through 30k, the task becomes all the more easier.