Eliud Kipchoge smashed his own World record of 2:01:39 set in 2018, coming home in 2:01:09 at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, 30 seconds faster than his performance in 2018.
While at it, he extended his victories in the Berlin Marathon to four, in 2015, 2017, 2018, and now 2022.
His compatriot, Mark Korir came home almost five minutes later to finish second at 02:05:58, with Ethiopia’s Tadu Abate stopping the clock at 02:06:28 to settle for third place.
Two of the other Kenyans in the race, Abel Kipchumba, Zablon Chumba, finished within the top ten bracket, at 5th and 10th respectively, with Abraham Kipyatich finishing 29th.
Victory in Berlin has given Kipchoge a record-equalling fourth win, putting him level with Ethiopian great Haile Gebrselassie.
Kipchoge spoke highly of the Berlin course saying he has great memories there. He finished four races at the course and he expressed excitement about running there again.
He won in 2015, 2017 and 2018 editions of the Berlin marathon and placed second in the 2013 edition.
In the women’s race, debutant Rosemary Wanjiru came home second behind Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa, clocking 02:18:00, 02:23 minutes behind the Ethiopian, with another Ethiopian Tigist Abayechew finished third to complete a double-podium finish for Ethiopia.
Vibian Chepkirui finished 10th, Maurine Chepkemoi 16th, and Risper Chebet 18th.
Before the race, the 37-year-old had anticipated a ‘good race’ on his return to Berlin having missed in 2019 and 2021, and if the result of race is what he meant by good, then it was an understatement for him.
The first half of the race was terrific, with Kipchoge getting through the halfway mark on 59:51 alongside the Ethiopian Belihu, with the chasing pack doing so 10 seconds later.
As he approached the 26-kilometre mark, Kipchoge opened up the gap between him and Andamlak Belihu and started pulling away, leaving no doubt that he was from that moment competing against the clock.
As he pushed further, his trademark smile would be seen flushing from time to time, knowing perfectly well. To get a snippet of the tenacity of the race, he managed to do each of the first 37 kilometers under 3 minutes, going over that time in the 38th kilometer for the first time.
