BERLIN, Germany (Sept. 23) — Eliud Kipchoge, the Kenyan marathon world record-holder, is set to challenge for his fifth Berlin Marathon title this Sunday, despite recent setbacks that have raised questions about his form.
The 38-year-old athlete, who set a world record time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds in Berlin last year, is looking to bounce back after a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Boston Marathon in April. You can find the list of all national and international TV broadcasters of the 2023 Berlin Marathon Here. FloTrack will provide the live broadcast in the USA.
Eliud Kipchoge: “Anything Might Happen”
Speaking to reporters in Berlin, Kipchoge was candid yet optimistic. “Anything might happen,” he said, emphasizing that each race is a unique challenge.
“You’re approaching it in a different way, but you know when you are inside the race, anything might happen.” – Read more: How to watch the 2023 Berlin Marathon LIVE?
When asked about pre-race jitters, Kipchoge admitted, “Absolutely, I’m nervous. Your nervousness shows you are ready for the task.”
Kipchoge’s main competitor is likely to be fellow Kenyan Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon winner. Kipruto, however, downplayed the rivalry, stating, “I will be competing for my personal best. The biggest target is to compete with my time.”
Women’s Event and Course Conditions
In the women’s category, 2022 Berlin Marathon winner Tigist Assefa is the favorite. Assefa, who came within 90 seconds of the world record last year, said she’s not focused on breaking records but on improving her time.
Read more: Stage is set for Eliud Kipchoge at BMW Berlin Marathon
The Berlin course is known for its flat terrain and asphalt streets, which are easier on the joints than concrete. Weather conditions are also expected to be favorable, with little wind and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 16°C.
The organizers have revealed that close to 45,000 runners are set to take part in Sunday’s race and the fans will also gather on the side of the streets to cheer on the competitors as they vie for the top prizes.
Legacy and Future Goals
Kipchoge has won 15 marathons, including four in Berlin. A win on Sunday would place him ahead of Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie in terms of Berlin Marathon victories.
Kipchoge also has his eyes set on the 2024 Paris Olympics, aiming for an unprecedented third Olympic gold in the marathon.
Final Preparations
Kipchoge, who arrived in Berlin earlier this week, expressed his comfort with the city. “It’s good to be back in Berlin; it always feels like coming home,” he wrote on Instagram.
As for his favorite spots along the marathon track, he quipped, “I remember (the point) where it was 400 meters to go — that’s what is in my mind.”
