Benson Kipruto: This is why I want to follow in Kipchoge’s footsteps

Multiple marathon winner Benson Kipruto has revealed his desire to follow in the footsteps of Eliud Kipchoge.

Both Kipchoge and Kipruto are in Kenya’s Olympic Games marathon team named by Athletics Kenya and given their experience, stiff competition is expected between the duo.

Kipruto, one of the most consistent and accomplished road runners, hopes to follow on Kipchoge’s footsteps although he expects the legend not to retire soon.

“I’m inspired by the likes of Eliud Kipchoge. When he might retire – I hope not soon – I would like to follow his footsteps,” Kipruto told World Athletics.

Olympic’s dream

He is looking forward to competing in the Paris Games which will begin on July 26 to August 11.

“Competing in the Olympics will mean a lot. If I qualify, I will do my best to represent my country. I would be privileged to represent my country for the first time. I love my country,” he added.

He also shared insight into his lifestyle, ambitions and inspiration, on a run at dusk through the tea plantations in Nandi County. He offered a behind-the-scenes look at the beautiful environment in which he hones his craft.

“We feel at home here. It’s really nice to stay together – the big athletes, as you say. But here, we are equal because we stay humble. Everyone stays humble here. We all train together, we all eat together, so we are like a family.

“Whenever I am in a race or whenever I am training, I get motivated by other athletes, even the young ones. We train together and we encourage each other,” he added.

Kipruto is a winner of the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022 and the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year.