Kipchoge sets sights on breaking own record in Berlin

It is no doubt Eliud Kipchoge has already made history as the fastest ever marathoner in the world, but it seems he still wants to cruise to greatness.

The historic under two-hour run in the marathon (in 2019), a world record in Berlin (2018) and two back-to-back Olympic titles (2016 and 2020) as well as nine victories at World Marathon Majors, confirms that Kipchoge remains the Greatest of All Times.

Eight days from today, on Sunday September 25, Kipchoge will be clashing with other legends at the Berlin Marathon.

But for Kipchoge, shattering the world record he set on the same course in 2018, is the main goal.

It will be Kipchoge's second world marathon major this year after racing 2:02.40 at the Tokyo Marathon in March.

"I still believe that I can still set a course record in Berlin, if not a world record then it is a course record. I don't know which one will come in, but I will call it a course record," the world record holder said in a video hhe shared on Thursday evening.

Kipchoge, who is eying a fourth win in Berlin said the 2022 race arouses what he described as sweet memories in the record-breaking run four years ago.

In the video, Kipchoge recalls how five months of rigorous preparations paid off the 2018 edition.

"2018 was crucial for me. It is really different and I can't describe the feeling. It was a sweet feeling that you are crossing the line with a world record in the marathon. It was double happiness - first happiness for winning and the second happiness for breaking a world record.

"Back then in 2013 actually I was still learning how to handle the ropes in the marathon. Everything was a real tension and it was really running in my mind but I told myself that I want to go through without any barrier at all," Kipchoge explained.

He said the upcoming race reminds him of 2013 when he placed second behind Wilson Kipsang in his world major marathon debut.

The four-time London Marathon winner said Berlin offered him several lessons that shaped his career.

"We celebrated at the finish line (in 2018) and showed the world that you cannot achieve alone, you need a third hand to add ingredients to your menu in order for you to perform well," he added.

He said Berlin's huge and enthusiastic crowds and the flat course has fueled his historic wins in the German City over the years.

"The whole Berlin course is really smooth. It is a flat course where if you have trained well, then it can go (well) with the muscles and make me run faster and longer," Kipchoge said.