I believe Timothy Cheruiyot would be an outstanding choice to pace Jakob Ingebrigtsen for one of the toughest WR's on the planet. While Cheruiyot remains a world-class athlete, he may now recognize that his own shot at this record has likely passed. Prime Tim was 4-5 years ago (which corresponds roughly to Jakob's age now).
Last year, Tim staged an impressive fitness comeback with a 3:28, but the leap to 3:25 is a different beast altogether. At this stage in his career, pacing could be a perfect role for him to leverage his talents.
Why Cheruiyot Fits the Bill
If Cheruiyot nails this pacing gig—and he’s more than capable—he’d not only pocket a handsome paycheck but also etch his name into athletics lore. The current record has stood for nearly 30 years, and there’s no guarantee Jakob (or anyone else) will break it anytime soon.
Cheruiyot’s contribution could be a cornerstone of a historic moment. His ability to execute this job flawlessly—a feat maybe five people on the planet could pull off—would earn him universal respect.
What sets him apart?
His unmatched experience in front running, honed over years of leading races at the highest level.
Consider his credentials:
Proven Speed: If he can reach 3:28-3:29 fitness for Monaco this year, he could sustain a pace in world-record territory, maybe all the way to 1200m.
Familiarity with Jakob: Having battled him in numerous races, Cheruiyot knows the Norwegian’s rhythm and strategy inside out—an edge that could make the pace-setting seamless.
Big-Stage Experience: He’s paced major races before, including (unintentionally) the Tokyo Olympic final. He’s no stranger to the spotlight.
The Ego Factor
Cheruiyot strikes me as one of the most likable guys in distance running, with a humility rare among elites. I doubt his ego would take a hit by stepping into a pacing role. Remember the Tokyo Olympics? After losing his 1500m crown to Ingebrigtsen—a race where he effectively set the pace for much of the way—he still had the grace to hand Jakob a bracelet post-race. That gesture, a symbol of respect on one of the toughest days of his career, says it all. How many athletes would do that? (Picture Josh Kerr doing the same if Jakob beats him in Tokyo this year if Jakob wins—not likely. Not beating on Kerr, but just to illustrate the grace of Tim C)
Timing and Motivation
Turning 30 this year, Cheruiyot might find it natural to shift away from head-to-head battles with the young guns. Pacing a world record attempt offers a different kind of glory: a hefty payday, yes, but also recognition as perhaps the greatest pacer in the game. If Jakob succeeds, Cheruiyot’s role in that forever-replayed footage would be legendary.
Beyond the practical perks, there’s a psychological angle. Jakob, chasing a familiar rival like Cheruiyot, might draw extra confidence from the setup.
The Bigger Picture
In summary, Cheruiyot brings a rare trifecta: vast experience, a grounded personality, and
the fitness to deliver. Few others could check all those boxes. This summer feels like the right moment, too. Jakob, at 24 turning 25, is still in his prime, though 2025 or 2026 might be his window to break this record. I think he’s got another year or two of 1500m growth in him, but injuries or natural plateaus could change that. With Cheruiyot leading the charge, this could be the perfect storm for a record-breaking run. There is no guarantee that a record set this year would ever be beat by Jakob, Laros, Myers, or even Nuguse/Hocker/Kessler. No records are forever, but this one might live for a long time.
Those are my two cents.