The world’s greatest marathoner so far, Eliud Kipchoge clocked 2:03:42 to win the Berlin Marathon for the fifth time claiming the crown in a historic win.
Kipchoge’s victory makes him the first runner to win the Berlin Marathon five times.
Kipchoge looked to have lost some steam towards the end of the race but the 38-year-old, regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, showed his fighting spirit and determination to successfully defend the title.
He now becomes the most successful male runner in Berlin, going one clear of Ethiopian marathon legend Haille Gebresellasie, with whom he was tied with four titles from the German city.
Berlin marathon debutants Vincent Kipkemboi of Kenya and Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele came in second and third with 2:03:14 and 2:03:24, respectively.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa shattered Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei’s record of 2:14:04 set in 2019 by romping home in a time of 2:11.53 to shed off the old record by 2.11.
Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui settled for the second spot, clocking 2:17:29, while another Ethiopian Tigist Abayechar, clocked 2:18:51 for the third position.
Despite the victory, Kipchoge sounded a bit disappointed that he could not achieve one of his targets, lowering his own World Record.
“I had started well but there was a little bit of hiccups, but it happens in a race. I was expecting to do the same (break a world record) but it did not come as I expected but that is how sports is. I have learnt lessons; I have won but no World Record. Every race is a learning lesson.” Kipchoge said after the race.
He added that his focus now fully swings to next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, France.
“I want to really concentrate and put all experience in next year’s Olympics in Paris and win the third Olympic title.” He added.
It had seemed to be a battle set when compatriot Vincent Kipkemoi started making ground on him, but once he emerged off the Brandenburg Gate towards the finish line, there was no denying the GOAT another crown in Berlin
At the 32 kilometers mark, the last of the three pacemakers dropped off, with a little fist bump to say thanks for a job well done, carrying him through almost 80 per cent of the race.
