Why Eliud Kipchoge has reason to be nervous as Amos Kipruto threatens to end his Berlin marathon dominance
Amos Kipruto's quest for a personal best at the Berlin Marathon raises questions about Eliud Kipchoge's confidence. A thrilling showdown awaits.
Amos Kipruto, the second-fastest man in the field, is on a mission to improve his personal best (PB) as he prepares to tackle the Berlin Marathon.
In a pre-race interview, Kipruto expressed his determination to bounce back after a setback at the London Marathon last April, where he narrowly missed the top spot.
“Losing London it disturbed me, but I never lost hope, and I am here to fight for the best. On Sunday I will be competing for my personal best, I am racing against my time. If I can achieve that, I will be happy,” said Kipruto, who's looking to beat the impressive 2:03.13 he achieved as the runner-up behind the legendary Eliud Kipchoge at last year’s Tokyo Marathon.
Kipruto, 31, is no stranger to the Berlin course. He was the runner-up in 2018, an unforgettable year when Kipchoge first shattered the world record.
However, it is not just Kipruto who has a point to prove. Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon maestro himself, is eager to remind the world of his enduring dominance.
Following a performance in Boston last April that left some questioning his form, Kipchoge is determined to showcase his prowess on a course he knows all too well.
This race holds particular significance for him as he gears up for Paris 2024, where he seeks an unprecedented third Olympic Marathon gold.
During Friday's press conference, Kipchoge chose to keep his race strategy close to his chest, opting instead to tantalize fans with a promise of "a beautiful race because the weather will be good." Indeed, the race is anticipated to take place under optimal circumstances, with minimal wind and a pleasant 11-degree Celsius temperature (51.8 F).
In 2022, the 38-year-old left the world in awe as he crossed the halfway point in an astonishing 59:51, marking the fastest split in marathon history.
When asked if the 21km split would face a challenge again this year in Berlin, Kipchoge responded with a radiant smile, "Who knows what will happen during the race." He then added, "2023 is a different game altogether. We are approaching it in a different way, but when you are in the race, anything might happen. We follow what's in our hands."
As the Berlin Marathon draws near, the question on everyone's mind is whether Amos Kipruto's determination and thirst for a personal best will make Eliud Kipchoge nervous.
The marathon world is known for its unpredictability, and on race day, anything is possible. For now, the stage is set for an epic showdown between two Kenyan legends, with the world eagerly awaiting the outcome.
In a sport where every step counts, where records are shattered and legacies are forged, both Kipruto and Kipchoge know that only time will reveal who will emerge victorious in this battle of wills and speed.
posted Saturday September 23rd
by Festus Chuma