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

I think that Eliud can run 2:03:10. He is that good.

I hope we see an actual sub2.

It probably won't happen but that's what i would like to see.

That's still a whole week away. The weather forecast two days ago said it wouldn't rain today, and now here in my region of Germany I'm getting my butt wet on my run. It's even windy.

But I hope for the best for the next week.

I don't know, but my stomach churns just from the thought of it.

I say Kipchoge does indeed break his own world record. Kip is motivated for one more big speed race on his favorite course, and he has had the buildup he wants. It would be truly extraordinary to actually go sub-2. I think he’ll run 2:01:24 to get the WR.

I also think Keira will break her AR handily. It will be the fastest course she has run with good competition and a huge number of fans on the road. She could go 2:17 and change.

2:17 would be incredible. I do think she has a chance to beat it but I would not go as far to say "handily a 2:17". Maybe it is possible but I think if she gets close to 2:19 or even 2:18 high that will be incredible.

For Kipchoge: total black box as he has not raced in so long. Either he wins in a normal 2:02-2:03 or he is back to his old pre pandemic self and sets a WR. I have no good hunch either way.

I think it’s about time to stop pacemaking and go back to racing. Real racing is by far a more interesting sport.
it has become ridiculous to watch a marathon because of one man. Where is the competition exactly?

I think this is in the ball park, I'll go 2:03:05. Hard for me to believe that EK can keep setting records in marathon after so many quality races. He's already 9.5 years into a marathon career that came after something like 9 years on the track.

Anybody know how fast the pacers are supposed to take him through the first half?

Suppose he goes 2:03 or even 2:02 and half the race it’s just him and two others. Was it worth killing real competition? Marathons without pace making are so much more interesting, period.

it became ridiculous and serves only a handful of people.

The forecast is for 5+ degrees warmer in Berlin than he had in Tokyo last March.

17°C, that must be like 65°F (I didn't bother to check). Too hot for a WR.

Sub 2 on a legit course is impossible anyway. Or to say it with a German twist, it is überhaupt impossible.

I say 3:03-3:04.

And eventually Father Time will catch up with him. Maybe next weekend ?

Wow, he's really going to slow down!

2:01:30

If she ran 2:17 that would be about 8 minutes faster than Molly Seidel has ever run. She would be closer to the WR than to Seidel.

The pacers are there to help us see a man shatter barriers and push limits, it doesn't kill the competition. Was the moment of Bannister's sub 4 ruined because he had his friends pace him? It's not really Kipchoge's fault, or anyone else's fault really, that there is no one that can truly give competition. As a witty Norwegian once said, "you can't be disappointed with people for not being better."

I have heard 60:30 from a fairly reliable source; but cannot confirm officially.

59:59

Not true. His workouts have been stellar. Without a nasty day weather wise, he'll definitely break 2:02.