Kipchoge sets sights on Berlin Marathon once again
By Lucky Oluoch, July 14, 2023Eliud Kipchoge, the double Olympic champion and world record holder in the marathon, has set his sights on the BMW Berlin Marathon once again.
With a burning desire to etch his name in the annals of history, Kipchoge aims to achieve an unprecedented feat by winning the race for an extraordinary fifth time.
The revered NN Running Team athlete has strategically chosen Berlin as his upcoming challenge, recognising the course’s lightning-fast nature as the perfect platform to fine-tune his skills ahead of the highly anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Berlin holds a special place in Kipchoge’s heart, as it has witnessed some of his most remarkable achievements. In 2018 and 2022, he shattered the limits of human endurance by setting the official world record, leaving an indelible mark on the running world.
Moreover, he clinched victory in 2015 and 2017, showcasing his unwavering dominance on the German streets.
Expressing his eagerness to return to Berlin, Kipchoge emphasizes the significance of this race in his pursuit of Olympic glory.
“For me, the BMW Berlin Marathon is not only a contest but also an integral part of my preparation. The memories I hold from previous triumphs fuel my excitement to once again traverse the vibrant streets of Berlin, alongside the camaraderie of thousands of passionate runners.”
While Kipchoge recently finished sixth in Boston, it is important not to underestimate his extraordinary abilities. Just last year, he conquered the Berlin course in a jaw-dropping world record time of 2:01:09.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kipchoge has experienced only a single setback in the German capital, when he finished as a runner-up in his second-ever marathon back in 2013.
A fifth victory in Berlin would catapult Kipchoge beyond the legendary Haile Gebrselassie, cementing his status as the undisputed titan of marathon running.
Moreover, this triumph would be a poignant testament, as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of his first global triumph at the 2003 World Championships in Paris—a milestone that marked the genesis of his extraordinary career spanning two dazzling decades.
As anticipation builds for the BMW Berlin Marathon, the roster of confirmed participants includes Amos Kipruto, the triumphant victor of the 2022 TCS London Marathon.
Kipruto’s impressive credentials, which also feature a second-place finish at the 2022 Tokyo Marathon and a runner-up position behind Kipchoge in the 2018 BMW Berlin Marathon, promise an exhilarating clash of titans. Furthermore, whispers of the rising star Kelvin Kiptum potentially joining the race further intensify the anticipation surrounding the event slated for September 24.