Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, the world record holder in the marathon, made his debut at the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 17, but finished a disappointing sixth place (The Guardian). Kipchoge is considered to be one of the greatest long-distance runners of all time, having won gold medals and set world records in major competitions around the world (AS USA).
Despite his accolades, Kipchoge faced a new challenge in the Boston Marathon: slowing down. The 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boston’s Back Bay includes the notorious “Heartbreak Hill” and requires a different strategic approach than other marathons (WBUR).
Kipchoge, who is known for his consistent fast-paced running, took an early lead and set a blistering pace, with a time of 14:17 at 5k and 62:19 at half of the race (LetsRun.com). However, he struggled in the 19th mile and faded, finishing the race with a time of 2:09:23, his third marathon defeat (NBC Sports).
Despite the disappointment, Kipchoge remains a respected figure in the running world. His achievements are credited to the collaboration of a joint team that has enabled him to set and break records and win gold medals (AS USA).
Kipchoge’s ultimate goal is to continue pushing himself and his sport to new heights. While he did not win at the Boston Marathon, Kipchoge’s determination and competitive spirit will undoubtedly lead him to new successes in the future (CNN).
