Two time Olympic Champion Eliud Kipchoge has now shifted his focus to next year’s Olympics Games in Paris, France after winning his fifth Berlin Marathon on Sunday.
The World Marathon champion 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.
‘’For now I am going back to get some rest before I start preparing for the Olympics which I am really looking forward to.’’ said Kipchoge.
“I want to really concentrate and put all experience in next year’s Olympics in Paris and win the third Olympic title.” He added.
Kipchoge also noted he was also impressed with the performances of compatriots Vincent Kipkemoi who finished second on his marathon debut clocking 2:03:13 and Ronald Korir who placed fourth.
‘’It means we have very good athletes in Kenya and with this great pool of talent all we need to do is nurture them and make sure they succeed in future,’’ noted Kipchoge.
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 Kipchoge another crown in Berlin.
At the 32km 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 percent of the race.