Eliud Kipchoge: I can still break the world record
London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge (centre) receives a gift from Isuzu EA Managing Director Rita Kavashe (second left) during his congratulatory breakfast at a Nairobi hotel on May 3, 2018 after winning his third London Marathon race on April 22, 2018. Looking on is Isuzu EA Human Resource Director Fred Wasike (far left), Isuzu EA Aftersales Director Julius Mwangi (second right) and Isuzu EA Communications Manager, Dancan Muhindi (far right). PHOTO | COURTESY |
What you need to know:
- Kipchoge, who won his maiden London Marathon in 2015 in 2:04:42, got to earn the winners prize purse of Sh5.5 million and an additional Sh10million for running sub 2:05:00.
- “I am not really bothered about the world record because I know it will come at the appropriate time.
Three-time London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge is still confident of breaking the world record before he calls time on his illustrious career.
The 2016 Rio Olympics Marathon winner cruised to win his third London Marathon title in 2 hours, 04 minutes and 17 seconds on April 22.
Kipchoge, who won the 2016 London Marathon in a course record of 2:03:05, was eying to break the World Record time of 2:02:57 set by compatriot Dennis Kimetto in Berlin, 2014 but failed in his quest.
Kipchoge, who won his maiden London Marathon in 2015 in 2:04:42, got to earn the winners prize purse of Sh5.5 million and an additional Sh10million for running sub 2:05:00.
“I am not really bothered about the world record because I know it will come at the appropriate time.
“During the race I was not really thinking about it (World Record) and just managed to run a beautiful race and was satisfied with my performance,” Kipchoge said Thursday during a media breakfast reception organised in his honour by motor vehicle assembler, Isuzu East Africa at a Nairobi hotel.
“I am extremely grateful to be amongst friends and family as we celebrate another win for our great country. It has been my goal to run the marathon in less than two hours, but due to the prevailing temperatures and humidity, it was not possible this time around.” Kipchoge said.
SPURS FAN
Kipchoge remained coy on whether he will defend his Berlin Marathon crown set for September 16. The race is also part of the World Major Marathons. While in London, Kipchoge visited Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama at his English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur base.
“Wanyama has plans of setting up football academies in the country and I promised to work with him. I also told him I would start watching more Spurs matches,” he added.
The Isuzu East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe also assured Kipchoge that the company will keep its promise of rewarding him with an Isuzu Dmax when he breaks the world record in any future international marathon that he will participate in.
“Eliud Kipchoge resonates well with our corporate and product brands. He has time and again shown strength, resilience and the tenacity to win through his performances,” Kavashe said.
Last year, Kipchoge signed a brand ambassador partnership with Isuzu EA worth Sh 15million to become the Isuzu Dmax Brand Ambassador.
Through the partnership, Eliud Kipchoge received an Isuzu Dmax Double Cab pick-up for use during training and family activities.
