Kenyan Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge Beats His Own World Record
Kenyan track star Eliud Kipchoge bested his own world record in the Berlin Marathon.
According to ESPN, Kipchoge clocked in a time of 2 hours, 1 minute, 9 seconds on Sunday (Sept. 25). In 2018, he clocked a time of 2:01:39 — 30 seconds more than his new record — on the same course.
"My legs and my body still feel young," Kipchoge said. "But the most important thing is my mind, and that also feels fresh and young. I'm so happy to break the world record."
ESPN notes that the course in the capital of Germany is favored by runners for its flat surface. Weather for the marathon was cool with a temperature close to 52 degrees Fahrenheit.
Kipchoge said, “I planned to go out fast in the first half” of the race. By the 30K-mark, at 1:25:40, Kipchoge slowed up a bit, but other runners weren’t able to keep up with his pace. At that point, eyes were on Kipchoge to see if he would break his own 2018 world record.
Kipchoge’s world record was previously held by fellow Kenyan Dennis Kimetto in 2014 with a time of 2:02:57.
According to NBC Sports, Kipchoge’s future goals include becoming the first runner to win three Olympic marathon titles in Paris in 2024 and win all six annual World Marathon Majors.
