Kenyan running star Dennis Kimetto has today been honoured with an official Guinness World Records certificate ahead of his much-anticipated debut at the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday.
 
The 31-year-old was presented with the award at an event at ExCeL London after setting the world record for Fastest Marathon in Berlin, Germany in September last year.
 
The incredible display of pace and stamina saw Kimetto reach the finish line in an unprecedented time of 2 hours 2 minutes 57 seconds, beating his compatriot Wilson Kipsang’s previous benchmark time by 26 seconds.
 
Dennis Kimetto with certificate
Speaking after the presentation, Kimetto said: “I am really happy to receive my award for my marathon record - it's an honour”.
 
Today’s certificate presentation comes ahead of Kimetto’s long awaited head-to-head against his friend and fellow countryman Kipsang in Sunday's Virgin Money London Marathon.
 
Wilson Kipsang
Billed as a ‘clash of the champions, Kipsang, pictured above, who won last year’s London marathon, will be out to win back his record as well as defend his title.
 
Kimetto was nevertheless in confident mood ahead of Sunday’s showdown, which will mark the first time he has competed in London.
 
“I am excited about this year's London marathon - I have trained hard the past three months and I feel good”, he explained. 
 
“I even feel better in myself more than I did before the Berlin marathon so I have a great chance.”
 
Guinness World Records has partnered with the Virgin Money London Marathon for the eighth successive year to provide on-the-spot record verification to 70 runners attempting records in 50 different categories at this year’s 35th anniversary instalment of the most iconic marathon in the world. 
 
With a diverse range of runners as well an incredible array of fancy dress on show, it looks set to be the best year of record-breaking yet. GWR will be on hand to verify times check costumes and make successful runners official Guinness World Records title holders, earning them a place in the 2016 book. 
 
We'll have full coverage of all Sunday's record-breaking action on our live blog here on GuinnessWorldRecords.com, along with updates on Twitter throughout the day at @GWR.