Eliud Kipchoge targets to run fast time in Berlin

World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge makes his return to the 49th edition of the Berlin Marathon scheduled for this Sunday (24) in Berlin, Germany.

The double Olympic champion has twice broken the world record there, bringing his own mark down to 2:01.09 last year. From his comments in the build-up to the race, Kipchoge is once more intending to run fast.

“I have been putting in the work together with the team, doing all my training and trusting the process. I am ready to go back to my special place, back to Berlin to take on the challenge again,” said Eliud Kipchoge, reviewing his state of readiness. There is no doubt that he intends to make best use of Berlin’s flat course once again. It is clear he wants to produce yet another performance of exceptional quality and thus qualify for the Olympics.

Kipchoge will face-off with the 2019 World marathon bronze medallist, Amos Kipruto who is the second fastest athlete on paper with a life time best of 2:03.13 that he got at the 2022 Tokyo Marathon where he took silver and the 2012 Africa Games 5000m silver medallist, Jonathan Maiyo who holds the third fastest time of 2:04.56.

Seven athletes who have gone under the 2:06 mark have been included in the start line and they include five Kenyans namely; Eliud Kiptanui of 2:05.21, Ronald Korir of 2:05.37, Philemon Kiplimo of 2:05.44, Enock Onchari of 2:05.47 and Mark Korir of 2:05.49.

Three Ethiopians will also be fighting for the top honors and they include, Tadu Abate of 2:05.38, Andualem Shiferaw of 2:05.52 and Haftu Teklu of 2:05.53.

The 2015 World marathon champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie from Eritrea will also be a title contender as he comes to this race with a life time of 2:05.34 that he got last year at the Zurich Maraton de Sevilla where he took the bronze medal.

LEADING TIME

42MEN

1. Eliud Kipchoge            (KEN) 2:01.09
2. Amos Kipruto              (KEN) 2:03.13
3. Jonathan Maiyo          (KEN) 2:04.56
4. Eliud Kiptanui             (KEN) 2:05.21
5. Ghirmay Ghebreslassie (ERI) 2:05.34
6. Ronald Korir                 (KEN) 2:05.37
7. Tadu Abate                   (ETH) 2:05.38
8. Philemon Kiplimo      (KEN) 2:05.44
9. Enock Onchari            (KEN) 2:05.47
10. Mark Korir                   (KEN) 2:05.49
11. Andualem Shiferaw   (ETH) 2:05.52
12. Haftu Teklu                 (ETH) 2:05.53
13. Amanal Petros            (GER) 2:06.27
14. Josphat Boit                (KEN) 2:06.34
15. Tadesse Abraham       (SUI) 2:06.38