Rivalries key to elite marathon interest - Kipsang

Athletics - Virgin Money London Marathon Preview Press Conference - The Tower Hotel, St. Katharine Way, London - 23/4/15 (L-R) Kenya's Wilson Kipsang and Dennis Kimetto hold hands to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the race Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs

LONDON (Reuters) - Fierce rivalries, rather than tumbling times, are key to maintaining the appeal of elite marathons, defending London champion Wilson Kipsang said of his showdown with world record holder Dennis Kimetto on Sunday.

Dubbed the ‘clash of the champions’ by race organisers, Kimetto, who clocked a world best two hours, two minutes, 57 seconds in September's Berlin Marathon, will make his London debut while fellow Kenyan Kipsang is seeking a third title after winning in 2012 and 2014.