Eliud Kipchoge Struggles At The Tokyo Marathon
In an unexpected turn of events, Kenya’s double Olympic champion, Eliud Kipchoge, encountered a significant setback in his Paris Games preparations, marked by a 10th-place finish at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday. The marathon unfolded against the backdrop of tragedy, following the recent death of world record-holder Kelvin Kiptum in a car accident in Kenya. Eliud Kipchoge Struggles in a Race At 39, Kipchoge, known for his stellar performances, notably his back-to-back Olympic marathon gold victories, experienced a challenging race, fading notably around the 20-kilometre mark. Crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 50 seconds, Kipchoge found himself in unfamiliar territory, finishing behind winner Benson Kipruto. Kenya’s Kipruto secured victory with a course-record time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 16 seconds, leading a triumphant charge of countrymen Timothy Kiplagat (2:02:55) and Vincent Ngetich (2:04:18). Kipchoge, reflecting on the unexpected turn of events, likened it to the adage, “not every day is Christmas Day,” during an interview with Japan’s Nippon TV. Acknowledging the challenges faced during the race, he cryptically mentioned that “something happened in the middle of the race” without providing further details. The marathon took place less than a month after the tragic death of Kelvin Kiptum, who held the world record after beating Kipchoge’s mark with a time of 2 hours, 0 minutes, and 35 seconds in Chicago. The two were anticipated to face off for the first time at the Paris Olympics. Despite the setback, Kipchoge remained optimistic about his upcoming pursuit of a third consecutive Olympic marathon gold later this year. When questioned about his form for the Paris Games, he remarked, “It’s too early to say,” emphasizing the unpredictable nature of athletic performances. The Tokyo Marathon marked Kipchoge’s return to competitive racing since Kiptum’s untimely death. Initially on pace to challenge the world record, Kipchoge encountered difficulties that eventually led to his exit from the top contenders. Benson Kipruto Wins Tokyo Marathon Kipruto’s surge to victory saw him taking the lead from Kiplagat around the 30-kilometer mark, ultimately finishing with a personal best. Kipchoge, on the other hand, struggled as the race progressed, falling out of the top 10 by the 35-kilometer mark. Do you need an Airbnb in Nairobi?Learn more on Airbnb in Nairobi, Kenya Expressing his determination to bounce back, Kipchoge stated, “I will go back, relax and start training.” His resilience and commitment to regaining his form showcased the champion spirit that has defined his illustrious career. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede emerged victorious with a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 55 seconds. She was followed by Kenya’s defending champion Rosemary Wanjiru (2:16:14) and Ethiopia’s world champion Amane Beriso Shankule (2:16:58). Is this the right time for Kipchoge to retire? The Tokyo Marathon served as a poignant chapter in Kipchoge’s journey, marked by unexpected challenges and the shadow of tragedy. As he navigates through the aftermath of the Tokyo Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge’s unwavering spirit and dedication to his craft continue to inspire, setting the stage for an intriguing narrative leading up to the Paris Olympics. Contact Us Website: – Click HereWhatsApp | Call: +254 743 149 267 | + 254 738 352 258Email Address: info@beseenlimited.com | sales@beseenlimited.comFollow our IG: @TrendBlendHubKe