Kenyans took to social media to express their joy after Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge set a new world marathon record, while his compatriot Gladys Cherono completed a stunning Kenyan double at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday.
33-year-old Kipchoge, dubbed the greatest marathoner of the modern era, clocked 2:01:39 to break previous world record of 2:02:57 set in Berlin back in 2014 by another Kenyan Dennis Kimetto.
“I woke up knowing I’d break the World record and maybe even run 2:01 and that’s what I’ve done. I most of the race on my own so I had to keep pushing and keep my composure,” Kipchoge, a three-time London Marathon champion said.
“I lack the words to describe how I feel,” said Kipchoge. “It was really hard [during the last 17 kilometres] but I was truly prepared to run my own race. I had to focus on the work I had put in in Kenya and that is what helped push me. I’m really grateful to my coaching team, my management, the organisation.”
On the other hand Cherono smashed her personal best to claim her third straight Berlin Marathon victory in 2 hours, 18 minutes and 11 seconds. She becomes the fourth quickest woman in the history of women’s marathon.
Kenyans online led by top political leaders including opposition leader Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto, Senator Mutula Kilonzo and Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko congratulated the Olympic stars for flying Kenya’s flag high.
Kenyan footballer Victor Wanyama said: ” Congratulations my friend @EliudKipchoge for breaking the World Marathon Record. Proud of you brother.”
Former Cabinet Secretary Judi Wakhungu tweeted: ” It’s a World Record in Berlin!!! ELIUD KIPCHOGE @EliudKipchoge You are the greatest MARATHONER of ALL TIME!!”
Opposition chief Raila Odinga noted: “You have done us all extremely proud by breaking the Men’s World Record at the #BerlinMarathon. Hongera @EliudKipchoge may you continue to be an inspiration to our youth through your heroic exploits in athletics. We are all extremely proud of you for flying our flag very high.”
DP William Ruto tweeted: “A show of strength, stamina, willpower as @EliudKipchoge produces a masterclass in long distance running to smash world record at #BerlinMarathon in a time of 2:01:40. Powerful, phenomenal display from an impeccable athlete, a legend. Amos Kipruto, Wilson Kipsang finish 2nd, 3rd.”
Energy CS Charles Keter noted: “Congratulations champion ELIUD KIPCHOGE @EliudKipchoge for breaking the men’s marathon record at the #BerlinMarathon. You have made us proud!!!”
Makueni Senator Mutula: “At a time like this , we should all be flying the Kenyan flag from every roof top. Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono. I am team Kenya.”
Politician Wavinya Ndeti said: “Eliud Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono today inspire us to always finish the race, to endure the pain, to build on the stamina, to persevere, to be consistent and to always remember that.”
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko noted:”I’m proud of our compatriots @EliudKipchoge and #GladysCherono for winning the Men’s and Women’s @berlinmarathon. Kipchoge will be remembered as one of our greatest runners for breaking the world marathon record. Hongera Team Kenya.”
State House operative Dennis Itumbi said:”Strong, focused and historic run. #EliudKipchoge is a man who has won the heart of a nation and deserves the highest state medals reserved for its sons and daughters. Standing Ovation. #BerlinMarathon #MagicalKenya.”
Sports journalist Carol Radull noted: “And history has been made! Congratulations @EliudKipchoge for winning the #BerlinMarathon and smashing the World Record with a sub 2:02:00 time! He conquered it in 2:01:40.”
Hongera Eliud Kipchoge na…
Hongera Eliud Kipchoge na Gladys Cherono
These two runners are …
These two runners are “national treasures”.Thanks for making Kenya proud again.I see politicians saying that these two are good role models for the youth.What about the same politicians emulating these exemplary Kenyans so that the youth could look at them as role models as well?
My comment is not to dampen…
My comment is not to dampen the celebratory mood Kenyans are in,but to bring light to doping athletes who damage the reputation of the like of the two “ambassadors”,Kipchoge,and cherono.
Last month alone, three Kenyans,including a agreat prostect in Kipyegon Bett(20years old) 800 meter runnner,were found guilty of doping.Kipyegon tried to eluded the testers,which is also an offense.
So far about 40 runners have been disciplined,or waiting their fete.I liken this doping to bribery.Purely selfishness. The problem is that,Kenya has been warned,and told to put their acts together,or else,they would be banned from international competitions.
Can you imagine Kipchoge, cherono, Rudisha,Obiri,or even Vivian Cheruiyot being banned from the sport they love and make a good living from,because of some lazy athlete who is doping?,because Kenya has violated doping laws?Ask Russia, if they liked being banned from international competitions.
The blame squarely lies on agencies tasked to run anhelics in Kenya.I say this because,they let doped athletes represent the country.Iam not absolving athletes from blame.They know when they are doping or not.
If these athletes were running only, in Kenya,or africa, that would be bad enough.But they are international athletes whom the whole world recognizes as the cream de la cream of mid and long distance running”OR ARE THEY),and are paid well,for their hard work.
Beautrice chepkoech last month broke the world record in steeplechase by 8 seconds.There are now some rambling that her record is suspect.This is because Kenyan born Ruth jebet the former champion was suspended for doping,and even though she is a naturalized Baharaini, she lives and trains in Kenya.
So athletics Kenya,please put stops,and check point in various places to avoid Kenya being banned. We are already blacklisted.And to these dopers I say, if you really love your country,please dont dope and make the non doping kenyans(innocent) world beaters look suspect.
If you think competition is tough in Kenya, just go to Qatar, USA,Italy or some other foreign country,that has less”in the trenches competitions”.And avoid soiling the good name our athletes for many year have tried so hard to preserve.