The forecast for Berlin looks PERFECT. Just how fast will Kipchoge go?

2:01:39 only for bakele to run 2:01:38 in London and send Letsrun home DEVASTSTED!

anyone know if a requested pace has been announced anywhere yet?

If the weather is right, 2:00:53.

Lash-man thinks Kipchoge should slow down and let others keep up so we as fans can see a close finish

This is the best and closest prediction in the thread imo. When things are right (and they almost always are for him), Kipchoge does not miss. In 2018 his splits of 61:06/60:33 showed he was likely too conservative, and, as incredulous as it is, practically encumbered by the pacemaking he did have in the first half.

He's coming to Berlin again to improve his personal best and test his limits; I imagine he'll want to open in at least 60:40-45, so that even an even pace gives him a decent margin under his record. I imagine he'll open around 60:35-45, and then, because he does not miss, come back 15-25 seconds faster, maybe more. At any rate, this leaves something like 2:00:40-2:01:20 as the most likely outcomes in my mind; if I had to go any more precise, I would say 2:00:5x. Perhaps for the sake of having a prediction, I'll put 2:00:52 down.

It's hard to predict much faster because it's still unthinkable that he would open faster in under 60:30, or close any faster than perhaps 60:15, certainly 60:00. And yet it's hard to predict much slower just because the man is singularly resistant to experiencing difficulties in the marathon. We now know he is not entirely immune, sure; but what is it they say about the exception and the rule? Let's see if Eliud has the proof on Sunday.

Its just an unfortunate choice of words, but lets not say "even sub 2:01". That would be incredible for anyone, 50 years from now.

That he is talking about attempting sub-2 is enough for me. I've no idea if he can get it, but seeing it attempted will be a great spectacle. If he goes out for a 60:30 half and then blows up, I'll still be happy because at least he tried. To me, this is better than running a (for him) conservative race and just winning in 2:02-2:03. I hope the conditions line up for him

where are you seeing this?

here is his quote:

“I am thinking of running a very good race. I want to run just a very good race, but if it comes it will be my personal best,” Kipchoge told reporters in a media round table.
He predicted that: “One day a human will run a normal marathon under two hours.”
But he insisted: “I am not going to Berlin to run under two hours but to run a good race.”

I'm calling 2:02:21.9

In other words, he expects 2.02 - 2.03 but hopes to run 2.01 again.

I’m predicting a 2:04:57 for Kipchoge

I've said it before and I'll say it again, he's going out in 59:59 and then putting the hammer down. I saw him again, this time at a Bistro in Berlin, and he confirmed it. Sub 1:59 is possible. About a half a second per quarter mile faster than his sub 2 victory. With good weather and the news of the Wall coming down---"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!"---there will be even more spectators on the course. Eliud can and will do it!!!!!!!!

Kenyan reply: "Utangoja saaana!"

Translation:. "You'll really wait for too long for his dropping out"

I see what you mean, but the reason it’s become boring is because there actually is not competition for him. Not on this planet.

59:57 halfway, valiant effort, and 2:00.17 at the line.

Of course I meant 2:03-2:04.

Prediction 2:03:15.

If Adola opens with 1:00:48 again then old man Eliud will really be on the ropes.

I’m pretty sure that if adola opens with 1:00:48 it will be ADOLA who will be on the ropes

2 hours 2 minutes 2 seconds.