Kipchoge shatters marathon world record in Berlin

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, September 26, 2022
Adjust font size:
Gold medalist of the men's race, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, celebrates after the Berlin Marathon 2022 in Berlin, capital of Germany, Sept. 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Ren Pengfei)

Eliud Kipchoge from Kenya set a new world record of two hours, one minute and nine seconds to claim the 48th Berlin Marathon title on Sunday.

The 37-year-old Kenyan staged a dominant performance and bettered his own record from 2018 by 30 seconds with a wire-to-wire victory.

Kipchoge and his pacemakers immediately took the lead after the start. Only Ethiopia's Andamlak Belihu and fellow countryman Guye Adola were able to keep up with Kipchoge, as the trio beat the previous world record time at the 13-kilometer mark by 40 seconds.

As the race progressed, Adola couldn't hold the pace and had to drop out of the leading group. Belihu remained on Kipchoge's heels until the 26-kilometer mark, before Kipchoge relentlessly pushed on the pace as the last pacemaker had left the track.

Although Kipchoge had shrugged off his last chaser at the 26-kilometer mark, he kept his foot on the gas pedal and crossed the finish line in 2:01:09. Kipchoge has won 17 of the last 19 marathon races.

Kipchoge's compatriot Mark Korir finished second in 2:05:58, and Ethiopia's Tadu Abate came in third by clocking 2:06:28.

"I am happy with my preparations. The victory is the result of great teamwork with my trainers, sponsors and materials. I owe this world record to my whole team," said Kipchoge.

"My family and young people keep motivating me. I will now celebrate my victory with my team," the world record holder added.

Ethiopia's Tigist Assefa won the women's category with the third best time of 2:15:37. Only Kenya's Brigid Kosgei and Britain's Paula Radcliffe were faster in Berlin.

Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru finished second in 2:18:00, followed by Ethiopia's Tigist Abayechew in 2:18:03.

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter