• I knew that if I started slowly, it would be difficult to make a good finish.
• I just wanted Kenya to get the marathon gold and that’s what mattered most.
• I will target the London Marathon next year but I will not run at the World Championships in Berlin.

I will now run a few half marathons and next year target the London Marathon. I will not run at the World Championships in Berlin.

I’m also thinking of breaking the world record perhaps in the Berlin Marathon next year. My feet are now used to the tarmac and I’m still young.

I believe I can do well. It is not impossible to run under two hours and four minutes. But what matters is that right now I’m so happy.

People back home are celebrating but I don’t know what plans they have for me. I will know when I get home.

I thank my coaches and my colleagues who helped me train at Ngong. Some of them will be running in the New York Marathon and I wish them well.

I dedicate this gold medal to the people of Kenya!”