Eliud Kipchoge aims to keep marathon fire burning in Rotterdam

BY JONATHAN KOMEN
 

Eliud Kipchoge is keen to continue his spectacular shows when he lines up at the Rotterdam Marathon this Sunday.

He has improved steadily since 2003 when he won IAAF World Championships 5,000m gold in Paris, setting a world junior record.

Although he could not maintain the rhythm as the rival Ethiopians do, Kipchoge re-affirmed his tradition when he finished second behind Wilson Kipsang, who set the world record at 2:03.23 at the BMW Berlin Marathon in last September.

Kipchoge, who ran his second marathon in Berlin, posted a brilliant 2:04.05 – the fifth fastest in history.

That was an impressive 2:05:30 at Hamburg Marathon in his first marathon in Germany–in what compelled him to try his luck again in Germany.  

“The course in Rotterdam is flat and will fit my running style as it doesn’t burn me. I want to give it my best shot and honour a call-up, if selected, to the Commonwealth Games Marathon team (in Glasgow, Scotland),” said Kipchoge.

Kipchoge, who trains at Global Sports Communications in Kaptagat, insisted that he is “a kid in marathon running.”

The runner, who trains under Patrick Sang, said he was grateful to have entered the elite club of track and marathon greats.

“I want to be entered into the three-man club of Haille Gebressellasie (Ethiopia) and Paul Tergat. 

I have joined these men who are the only ones to have run a sub 12:50 (5,000m), 26:50 (10,000m) and 2:06 (marathon) in the world,” said Kipchoge.

Even with such a feat, Kipchoge maintains that he is still learning the (marathon) ropes.

“Rotterdam will be my third marathon and I still need more time to train well,” said Kipchoge.

He will take on fellow Kenyan training mates Mike Kipyego and Bernard Kipyego in the Dutch port city.

He said: “The secret of winning in any race is preparing to win the same race. Hard work, focus and discipline are the virtues to ride you to victory.”