Two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge broke his own world record in the Berlin Marathon on Sunday.
Kipchoge clocked 2 hours, 1 minute, 9 seconds to shave 30 seconds off his previous best mark of 2:01:39, set on the same course in 2018.
The 37-year-old, who has now won 15 of his 17 career marathons, including two Olympic triumphs and 10 major titles, was in a class of his own, setting a blistering pace along the flat inner-city course on an overcast day to cement his status as the greatest ever marathon runner.
“I am happy with my preparation and I think I was so fast because of the teamwork,” Kipchoge said. “Everything is down to teamwork.
“I planned to go out fast in the first half. I thought try to run fast. It was a marvellous performance. My legs and my body still feel young. But the most important thing is my mind, and that also feels fresh and young. I am so happy to break the world record.”
My legs and my body still feel young. But the most important thing is my mind, and that also feels fresh and young. I’m so happy to break the world record.
Limits are there to be broken. By you and me together.
I can say that I am beyond happy today that the official world record is once again faster. Thank you to all the runners in the world that inspire me every day to push myself. pic.twitter.com/wELLVfdmbx— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) September 25, 2022
In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa won in a course record of 2:15:37 18 minutes faster. It was the third fastest time ever.
Third fastest time in history 😳
In just her second ever marathon, Tigist Assefa 🇪🇹 takes victory in a course record of 2:15:37, breaking the Ethiopian record in the process.#BerlinMarathon pic.twitter.com/y391wt9f1C
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) September 25, 2022
Kenya’s Rosemary Wanjiru was second on her debut in 2:18:00, ahead of Ethiopian runner Tigist Abayechew in 2:18:03.
Men’s results:
1. Eliud Kipchoge (KEN) 2:01:09 (WR)
2. Mark Korir (KEN) 2:05:58
3. Tadu Abate (ETH) 2:06:28
4. Andamlak Belihu (ETH) 2:06:40
5. Abel Kipchumba (KEN) 2:06:49
Women’s results:
1. Tigist Assefa (ETH) 2:15:37
2. Rosemary Wanjiru(KEN) 2:18:00
3. Tigist Abayechew (ETH) 2:18:03
4. Workenesh Edesa(ETH) 2:18:51
5. Sisay Meseret Gola (ETH) 2:20:58
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