Eliud Kipchoge Rules Berlin Again!
On Sunday, Eliud Kipchoge secured his fifth Berlin Marathon victory, finishing the 42km race in two hours, two minutes, and forty-two seconds.
Ethopia's Derseh Kindie closely trailed renowned Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge until the 32-kilometer mark from where Kipchoge was able to broaden the distance between himself and his competition, propelling himself to a solo finish. Kipchoge has previously won the Berlin Marathon four times: firstly in 2015, and subsequently in 2017, 2018, and 2022. He takes home his fifth title at this marathon, surpassing fellow Ethiopian legend Haile Gebrselassie who previously held the record with four titles. Leading up to the competition, many enthusiasts expected Kipchoge might attempt to break his current world record of an impressive 2:01:09 – a historic accomplishment from last year's Berlin Marathon.
At 60:22, the forefront group passed the midway point with the possibility of setting a new record. However, at the 30-kilometre mark, it became evident that Eliud Kipchoge's record was unlikely to be beaten with their pace being about 2:01:30. After separating from Kindie, Kipchoge surged ahead and won the race, and shortly after, Vincent Kipkemboi, another similarly talented Kenyan runner finished the marathon with an impressive debut time of 2:03:13.
Kipchoge started his successful career with impressive runs in shorter events. He clinched a gold medal in 5000m at the 2003 World Championships, keeping his eyes on the prize at the Olympics. While he took home the bronze in the 5000m during the Athens 2004 Olympics, he came close to winning the gold medal in Beijing 2008. However, this near hit motivated him to bide his time and divert his energies towards the marathon event as he failed to qualify for the London 2012 track team. Getting set for his debut attempt at the Olympic Marathon in 2016, he cruised to yet another victory at the London Marathon for the second successive year while at the same time smashing the course record.
He finally fulfilled his utmost aspiration by taking home the Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the Rio 2016 Olympics. As he prepares for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Kipchoge opted to use the Berlin Marathon as part of his training regimen since the flat Berlin course closely resembles the Paris Olympic marathon route.
Comments (5)
The G.O.A.T indeed.To be able to do what he is doing at the age of 38 is simply amazing.Yes the talk before the race was so much about him breaking his world record,but as all high level athletes know, it is very hard to be consistently"number one". Even the great Rudisha faltered now and then,Heck Even Usain Bolt did. But what separates these great athletes is how they get right back after"a bad day at the office" as Kingchoge put it after not winning the Boston Marathon last year.He bounced right back.
To me, I look at the whole picture.What I see is Kenyans occupying 6 of the top ten positions.Just about all of them had 2hr 4mins.xx seconds.That's very impressive.We certainly have a vast pool of marathon runners.I think we should convert some of them to steeplechase.Since our dominance has been threatened in that department.
Anyway,congratulations team Kenya,and Kipchoge in particular for defending his Berlin Marathon.My prayer now is to not read about anymore doping from Kenya.
Barely two weeks ago Agnes N'getich was congratulated for breaking women's 10K.Unfortunately they will have to dismiss this world record. Apparently they have found out thatthe course was short. What a shame...
Maxiley,
The GOAT has done it again but this one he kind of struggled and had to dig deep. If I were him, this would be time to hang the boots while on a high. Let the other youngster - that 19 year old who came very close .
Yeah Kiptum,the new kid on the block. He is running in Chicago Marathon on the 8th of October.I wish him well.And yes',Kingchoge' struggled alittle in Berlin this time around.He is not a spring chicken anymore. If he were running any other running- event,I believe he would be retired by now. Somehow marathoners get to extend their days...
I hope he defends his Oympics title in Paris next year then retire-win or lose.I think one can tell alot during training.I dont know if he struggled to finish is training program or not,for the Berlin assigment.Only the trainers can tell.I hope they will be honest with him if they see a downward trajectory.
Hey @Formerlyguest2, ego also plays part in some top athletes in"resisting" retirement.They cannot fathom not being read,heard and praised in the media.The waving,and screaming as one crosses the line as a winner is "drug".All in all I wish him well. He can always transition to something that would equally be rewarding, while keeping his high profile.
Did you have a tete a tete with MIguna Miguna? He shares your views on this...