Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Faith Kipyegon, Sifan Hassan, Gudaf Tsegay and British hopes such as Keely Hodgkinson and Laura Muir are among the contenders in the endurance running events in Budapest
It’s been a brilliant year for middle and long distance runners so far in 2023. Faith Kipyegon has set world records in the 1500m, mile and 5000m. Jakob Ingebrigtsen has been in imperious form with a European 1500m record and world two miles best. There have been fast times in depth at 1500m, 500m and of course marathon too.
But who will come out on top in Budapest in tactical races when there are no pacemakers or WaveLight Technology to help?
Men’s 800m
Championship record: Donavan Brazier USA 1:42.34, 2019
History maker: Wilson Kipketer DEN: three golds
Defending champion: Emmanuel Korir KEN 1:43.71
Olympic champion: Emmanuel Korir KEN 1:45.06
Ones to watch
Marco Arop CAN (1:43.30)
The 2022 bronze medallist was a close second in Paris in a near PB time and also third in Monaco. He has been consistent around the 1:43 mark in recent years.
Slimane Moula ALG (1:43.38)
The improving athlete was fifth in Eugene and ran a big PB in Paris this season before coming second in a similar time in Monaco. Has a strong kick, having broken 46 seconds for 400m.
Bryce Hoppel USA (1:43.95)
Fourth in Doha but out in the heats at Eugene. After winning the US title, only finished sixth in Monaco but did break 1:44.
Emmanuel Korir KEN (1:47.71)
The reigning champion has been in poor form in 2023 (57th fastest on the entry lists) but he wasn’t that impressive in the early stages of last year, either, and still won in Eugene.
Emerging force: Emmanuel Wanyonyi KEN (1:43.27)
The 2021 world under-20 champion was fourth last year and set a world lead in Paris.
British Challenge
The Brits left it late to hit the 1:44.70 qualifying standard. Dan Rowden secured it in Italy and then went faster in Monaco with 1:43.95. British champion Max Burgin (1:43.85) and Ben Pattison (1:44.02) qualified in London and any of the three could land a medal.
AW prediction: 1 Wanyonyi KEN 1:43.33; 2 Arop CAN 1:43.40; 3 Moula ALG 1:43.45; 4 Burgin GBR 1:43.50; 5 Sedjati ALG 1:43.60; 6 Rowden GBR 1:43.85; 7 Hoppel USA 1:43.92; 8 Korir KEN 1:44.93
Max Burgin (Mark Shearman)
Women’s 800m
Championship record: Jarmila Kratochvilova CZE 1:54.68, 1983
History maker: Maria Mutola MOZ: Five golds
Defending champion: Athing Mu USA 1:56.30
Olympic champion: Athing Mu USA 1:55.21
Ones to watch
Mary Moraa KEN (1:56.85)
Third in…
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