Marathon runners have been under the spotlight once again as the 2024 London Marathon is all set to commence on the 21st of April. The anticipation surrounding the event is palpable as it will serve as a crucial determinant of the ranks among runners gearing up for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

While most of the athletes have already secured their coveted spots for the summer games, there remains a group whose tickets to Paris are yet to be punched. Adding intrigue to the mix, USA’s Clayton Young and Leonard Korir have already clinched their coveted spot for upcoming games following their remarkable performances at the last Chicago Marathon. However, there is a captivating twist that awaits in this narrative.

Top three marathon runners in USA

This year, the marathon will be conducted in London from 21 April as it does every year. But, the elite event will be more significant this year as it will include top distance runners competing against each other to uplift their ranks ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Along the same lines, USA’s Brian Shrader will also be coming up at the event intending to accomplish an Olympic spot for two players.

As per the latest Marathon Rankings, Korir is ranked at the 70th position, whereas Shrader is placed at the 84th position. Interestingly, as per the guidelines by World Athletics, only three top runners from each nation will be given a coveted spot in the Paris Games. While Clayton has already secured a spot, Korir and Shrader are fighting for their respective chances.

Since Korir finished third at the 2022 Marathon, his Olympic spot is at stake and can only be confirmed with Shrader’s top finish at the London Marathon. In case Shrader crosses the 2:08:10 benchmark, then another spot for the 2024 Paris Olympics spot will be unlocked. Ultimately, this would mean that Korir will get the third spot since he is ranked above Shrader.

However, to accomplish these results, Shrader has to undergo intense competition at the London Marathon.

Brian Shrader’s stepping stone on the road to Paris 2024

In an exclusive interview with Runner’s World, Korir’s coach, Scott Simmons, said, “

I’m 95 percent confident [Korir’s ranking will be good enough to secure an Olympic spot].” Even though Korir’s coach is quite confident with Shrader crossing the benchmark, the competition is quite fierce at the event as multiple world champions will be coming up to unfold on tracks. Read More: Controversy Surrounds Noah Lyles’ Relay Run in Glasgow Indoor as Startling Revelation Emerges

Interestingly, the men’s elite race will feature the seventh-fastest man in history, Mosinet Geremew, and the 2023 Valencia Marathon runner-up, Alexander Mutiso Munyao. Additionally, the major limelight at the event is secured by the multiple-time world champion and third fastest distance runner in history, Kenenisa Bekele, who last year set a new world record of 2:04:19 at 41 years of age.

Since Shrader will be running for both his own and Korir’s Olympic spot, the expectations are quite high on his shoulders. Now the question is; will Shadder be able to overcome intense pressure to pass with flying colors? Stay tuned to know!