Legend Eliud Kipchoge is not afraid of the challenge from his junior Kelvin Kiptum - a 23-year-old runner who dreams of breaking the world record at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
On July 13, Kipchoge confirmed that he will compete in the 2023 Berlin Marathon on September 24 as part of his preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This week, the legendary Eliud Kipchoge held a virtual press conference with the media to explain his decision to choose Berlin instead of the New York Marathon on November 5.
Asked about Kiptum's challenge in Berlin, Kipchoge replied: "Kiptum is capable of doing what he wants. I've done enough. I believe that what I've done in the world of sports will be respected. If Kiptum runs sub-2, he will always be the second person to do this. I will be the first. So I don't have to worry about anything."
Kipchoge before the start of the 2022 Boston Marathon. Photo: GES Sportfoto
Kiptum made a splash by winning both his debut marathons. At the 2022 Valencia Marathon, he finished first in 2:01:53, becoming the fastest debut marathoner in history. Five months later, the 23-year-old improved his PB to win in 2:01:25, setting a new race record and just 16 seconds off Kipchoge's world record.
Only three runners in history have broken sub-2:02, and Kiptum is the only marathoner under the age of 35 to do so. Although not confirmed, Kiptum is reportedly aiming to break the world record at the Berlin Marathon, after withdrawing from the Kenyan team for the August 18-27 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary. That record currently belongs to Kipchoge, who clocked 2 hours 1 minute 9 seconds at last year's event, when he further surpassed his own 2018 record of 2 hours 1 minute 39 seconds.
Compare Kipchoge's milestones at the 2022 Berlin Marathon and the 2023 London Marathon.
The 2023 Berlin Marathon will mark Kipchoge's return to the race after his defeat in Boston in April. At that time, he finished sixth in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 23 seconds, his worst result in 20 marathons since the beginning of his career and his first defeat since London in October 2020.
"I have no control over what happened in Boston," Kipchoge admitted. "There's no point in brooding. I can only control what's happening and focus and be ready for Berlin."
The 38-year-old runner sees the Berlin Marathon as his best chance to prepare for his third consecutive marathon gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Kipchoge won the 2016 Rio Olympics in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 44 seconds and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in 2 hours, 8 minutes, 38 seconds. "I want to be the first person to win three consecutive titles. That would be historic," he stressed.
Hong Duy
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