Eliud Kipchoge has won the Berlin Marathon 2023.
The marathon great clocked 2:02:42 to clinch his fifth Berlin Marathon title, making him the first athlete to win the race for five times.
Kipchoge’s compatriot in the race Vincent Kipkemoi finished second in 02:03:12 while Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele came in third.
Speaking after the race, Kipchoge noted that he expected to break his previously set world record in Berlin.
However, he affirmed that his performance on Sunday will boost his preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I have won but I did not break the world record. Every race is a lesson,” he said during post-race interview.
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Assefa Tigst of Ethiopia broke the world record after finishing the race in 02:11:52.
Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui finished second in the women’s race.
Kenyans react
In their reactions, Kenyans from across the world congratulated Kipchoge on his victory among them Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
DP Gachagua said, “Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge for winning the Berlin Marathon for the fifth time. Your win in this year’s edition cements your special status in the World of Marathon running”.
The race was Kipchoge’s first since his setback in the Boston Marathon where he finished sixth in April.
Prior to his race on Sunday, Kipchoge had won four Berlin marathon titles making him one of the most glorious in history.
In his own words, Kipchoge described Berlin as “his home” to imply the love and support accorded to him by marathon enthusiasts in the city.
Kipchoge’s History in Berlin
Kipchoge was introduced to the streets of Berlin in 2013 during his onset days in road races.
At the time, Kipchoge was participating in his second ever marathon race and finished second behind his countryman Wilson Kipsang.
Also Read: Kipchoge Breaks His Own Marathon World Record in Berlin
Two years later in 2015, the athlete returned to Berlin, this time winning the race despite running with his shoes’ inner soles out of their positions for the better part of the race.
In 2018, Kipchoge further cemented his name as one of Berlin Marathon’s icons, setting the world record at 2:01:39 to win the race.
Also Read: Kipchoge Among the 10 Nominated for Male Athlete of the Year Award
It was in 2022, however, when the Marathon Great assumed a new status as an all-time great in the athletics world after breaking his own record to finish the Berlin Marathon at 2:01:09.
With Berlin Marathon behind now Kipchoge’s next stop is expected to be the 2024 Summer Olympics where he is eying a third title.