The 10-time global track champion would consider competing in the Doha 2019 World Championships night marathon provided he feels in medal-winning form
Mo Farah says the prospect of a midnight marathon at the IAAF World Championships in Doha next year is an exciting one.
The 10-time global track gold medallist finished third at last month’s Virgin Money London Marathon, breaking the British record with his time of 2:06:21.
He is now preparing for the Vitality London 10,000 on Monday (May 28) after winning the Simplyhealth Great Manchester Run last weekend but says his future marathon plans have not yet been confirmed.
The idea of pulling on the GB vest once again in Qatar interests him though, should he feel in medal-winning shape come next autumn.
“For me, the conditions are not a problem,” he tells AW, “it’s just myself – am I capable of running for Great Britain? Yes. Am I going to win a medal? If I can’t win a medal, I’m not just going to go and make up the numbers. If there’s a chance I can win a medal for my country, I’ll do it.”
As well as midnight marathons, the competition schedule for the 2019 event from September 28 to October 6 also features split evening sessions and on the prospect of racing 26.2 miles at night, Farah adds: “It’s very exciting. It’s exciting that I’d be doing the marathon and secondly it’s going to be at night and it’s different.”
The 35-year-old was speaking with AW at Hallfield Primary School in London where he answered questions from pupils and joined them on their Daily Mile.
He was encouraging both children and adults to get involved with the Vitality Westminster Mile on May 27. This year anyone entering the family miles could #RunWithMo as Farah will join in with three of the events.
After his mile and 10km action in the UK capital, Farah is less certain on where his next major event might take place.
“I’m already thinking about the next marathon,” he admits, after being pleased with his performance in London on April 22. “I don’t know exactly which one yet, but an autumn marathon is what I’d like to do.”
» See vitalitywestminstermile.co.uk