Exclusive: Alexander Munyao Determined to Rewrite His Personal Best at London Marathon

Kenyan marathoner Alexander Munyao Mutiso has pledged to put behind the Paris Olympics heartbreak and defend his London Marathon title with a new Personal Best time.

Mutiso was heavily regarded as a medal prospect in the Paris Games, but he fell short of expectations, finishing a disappointing 21st after clocking 2:10:31 on the brutal hilly course that humbled many, including the then-defending champion Eliud Kipchoge.

However, Mutiso is promising a resounding comeback on the 26.2 miles as he seeks to not only retain the London Marathon crown but clock a personal best.

The 2025 London Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, with Mutiso and, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games champion, Peres Jepchirchir hoping to defend the titles they won in April 2024.

Mutiso outwitted legendary Ethiopian marathoner Kenenisa Bekele to land his maiden London and World Major title after clocking 2:04:01 with Jepchirchir timing 2:16:16 to claim the women's crown.

NEW PERSONAL BEST IN MIND

The 2025 London Marathon race holds significant importance to Mutiso, as he is plotting to shave seconds from his personal best of 2:03:01, recorded in December 2023 in Valencia, Spain.

Mutiso told SportsBoom.com, in a telephone interview, that he opted against racing in full marathon after Paris to rest and fully focus on defending his London title in style.

The 29-year-old revealed that after coming to terms with the crashed dream of securing a medal in Paris, he elected to participate in several short races in Japan as part of the build-up for London.

He is expected to test his body further in the Marugame Half Marathon on February 4 in Japan, which he believes will give him a true picture of his progress in preparations.

"It is very possible to defend my London title with a new Personal Best. I have enjoyed sufficient rest after the Paris Games. I took a break from full marathons after Paris to focus on winning London again and in a new time. I have been running short races in Japan and will participate in a half marathon next month. I feel I am in good shape and looking forward to London," he told SportsBoom.com. 

MUTISO UNFAZED BY BIG NAMES

An exceedingly rich field of elite marathoners,  including four-time champion Kipchoge, has so far been confirmed for the race.

Olympic champion Tamirat Tola, New York City Marathon champion Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, and Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha of Ethiopia are expected to race in London.

Two-time World Cross Country champion Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda will mark his full marathon debut in London with World Half Marathon champion Sébastian Sawe also be featuring.

2024 Tokyo Marathon silver medalist Timothy Kiplagat is also on the list of elite marathoners released so far.

Kipchoge, Kiplagat and Sawe are the only fastest athletes from the list provided by the organisers as the trio have personal best times of; 2:01:09,2:02:55 and 2:02:05 respectively.

Mutiso says he is not afraid of the competition he will face from the big runs enrolled for the race as he believes he is equal to the task and well prepared.

"You have to beat the best so as to win, and competition will make the race better and enjoyable. The competition will actually go a long way in helping me hit new time. The race traditionally attracts big names, and I have been preparing knowing that I will be up against the best in the world," he said.

MUTISO KEEN TO CEMENT LEGENDARY STATUS

As he intensifies preparations for his second appearance in London, Mutiso is praying to leave a towering legacy in the event like his compatriot Kipchoge.

The two-time Olympic champion is arguably the most successful athlete in the history of the London Marathon having clinched four titles and could add more, as he insists he is far from calling it a day.

The former record holder and second-fastest man over the distance won his first title in London in 2015 and would defend his title the following year.

Kipchoge, who is seeking redemption after losing his last two races, added his third and fourth gold medals from the event in 2018 and 2019.

Dionicio Ceron of Mexico has three titles against his name with former record holder Wilson Kipsang winning it twice.

Mutiso, who admitted to having witnessed massive changes since winning his first World Major, hopes to be remembered as the marathoner, who won many titles in the English capital.

"Winning in London last year was special to me as it was my first time participating in a major. It changed my life for the better and uplifted my profile. My prayer is to dominate the London race in as many years as possible," he added.