BERLIN MARATHON: HOW KENYA’S ELIUD KIPCHOGE SHATTERED WORLD RECORD

Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge did lower his world record in German capital with 30 seconds off his previous best mark achieved in 2018.

He obviously had a quick intent to shatter the world record, that he set off at a furious pace on Sunday, covering the first 10 kilometers in just 28.23 and clocking 42.32 at the 15k-mark, hitting at a sub two hour attempt. The closer runners tried to keep pace to cover the space, especially Ethiopia’s Andamlak Belihu and defending champion Guye Adola.

With Kipchoge increasing the pace, defending champion Guye was behind with a few meters clocking kilometer-splits of between 2.57 and 2.50.

The Kenyan who won the 2018 marathon race in Berlin, being his previous mark 2.01.39 was delighted before the German fans who kept waving to his tenacity and hunger racing for the title. Other runners were now trailing behind with fellow Kenyan runner Abel Kipchuge, Mark Korir and Bethwel Yegon, all running to keep pace with Belihu.

At this point it was clear Eliud was up for the title, leading, although his speed had reduced compare to his  early pace at the start of the race, but he completed half marathon in just 59.51, same with his African compatriot Ethiopia’s Andalmalak Belihu.

The two time Olympic champion, Eliud Kipchoge reaching the 25k-mark had to keep the last energy- drive -pace going as others have obviously dropped deep, leaving Belihu who was on his heels.

At the 30k-mark, the sweat of the Kenyan was definitely colourless-salty thanks to the friendly weather condition in Berlin having experienced a night of showers in the German capital a few hours before the start of the race. At this point he has achieved a 1.25. 20 with Berlihu dropping further.

Kipchoge’s quest to better his world record was clear with the clock clicking. And that he did achieve in 2. 01.09 (2 hours, 1 minute, 9 seconds). Simply 30 seconds lower than the previous 2.01.39 (2 hours, I minute, 39 seconds) set in Germany in 2018.

Meanwhile, Ethoipia’s Tigist Assefa won the women’s race in a course record of 2.15.37 (2 hours 15 minute, 39 seconds), third fastest time ever, achieving 18 minutes faster than her previous run.