Mary Keitany targets Paula Radcliffe's world record at London Marathon
Last Updated: 18/04/18 6:59pm
Mary Keitany is targeting a "lifetime goal" as she attempts to break Paula Radcliffe's world record with a fourth victory in the London Marathon.
The Kenyan athlete lowered Radcliffe's women-only record last year with a time of two hours, 17 minutes and one second and will run with male pacemakers on Sunday in an attempt to beat the 'mixed race' mark of 2hrs 15m25s set in London in 2003.
"To run 2:15 is really something else but I will try to follow in the footsteps of the legend, Paula, on Sunday," said Keitany.
"I must thank the race organisers for their decision to assist the women to see how fast we can go. With the male pacemakers we have a great opportunity and we have to try and see if it's possible.
"It would mean so much to me because I've had Paula's record in mind since I started my career. She was an inspiration and that world record is still ahead of me as a lifetime goal.
"As long as I'm running I want to get it."
Whether she breaks the record or not, victory for Keitany on Sunday would take her past Radcliffe and level with Norway's Ingrid Kristiansen as a four-time London Marathon winner.
"Even if I don't break the world record and I win the race, that would still mean the most to me," she added.
"Being a champion here is something very special in my life and to win four times would be amazing.
"I don't feel any pressure for Sunday. I will just run the race and we'll see what the time is at the end. The most important thing is I have to defend my title."
