Reigning world record holder Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya won the Berlin Marathon for the fifth time, in 2:02:42.
Though he fell short of breaking his own world record, he does surpass Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie for the most victories in Berlin.
Following the pacemakers, Kipchoge asserted his dominance from the start, blazing through the first 5K in 14:12. Just one runner—Ethiopia’s Derseh Kindie—stuck with him; by 10K, they were a full minute ahead of the chase pack.
Now, Kenya’s controversial lawyer Miguna Miguna has advised the champion to retire honorably after the win.
“Congratulations, Eliud Kipchoge. You have made history. Now, retire when you are on top! Viva!,” he tweeted.
Eliud revealed in the 2022 BMW Berlin Marathon post-race conference that he is not thinking about retiring after smashing his own world record.
When asked by a 71-year-old Canadian journalist if he would follow the footsteps of tennis greats Serena Williams and Roger Federer who hanged their boots at the age of 40, Kipchoge replied that retiring is not an option for him.
“You forgot Lewis Hamilton is 37 and he is still driving a car at a speed of 360 Kilometres per hour. I always tell people that if you want to be young in mind, then start running. If you want to be young in mind, start doing fitness,”
“Running actually makes someone think in a good way and live longer. So if you want to live longer, start running” stated Kipchoge.
Today, President William Ruto led Kenyans in congratulating the fifth-time Berlin marathon champion for his great performance during the race.
“The Fifth masterful and historic performance in Berlin. Congratulations our limitless star, Eliud Kipchoge for your golden staging in the BMW Berlin Marathon 2023,” he said.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta joined Kenyans in celebrating the marathoner.
He said had displayed an unmatched performance by recording his fifth victory in Berlin showing that everything is possible.
“Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge for a stellar performance at the Berlin Marathon 2023. Once again Kipchoge has displayed an unmatched command of the 42km race as he recorded his fifth victory in the capital of Germany. In deed impossible is nothing. Pongezi Eliud Kipchoge,”Uhuru said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua congratulated Kipchoge saying his win in this year’s edition cements his status in the world of marathon running.
He also congratulated all the other Kenyan athletes who had participated in the race and lifted the country.
“The Marathon King has done it again. Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge for winning the Berlin Marathon for the fifth time. Your win in this year’s edition cements your special status in the World of Marathon running. Kudos also to Vincent Kipkemboi for coming second and Sheila Chepkirui for clinching Second place in the Women’s race. We are so proud of you,” Gachagua said.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga was not left behind in celebrating the Kenyan champion.
Raila said from Kipchoge’s win it is evident that no human is limited.
“Once again, Eliud Kipchoge asserts his command and dominance, showcasing his exceptional skill and defending his title by securing victory in the Berlin Marathon for an unparalleled 5th time. Bravo! No human is limited,” he said in a tweet.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka lauded Kipchoge and all the other Kenyan athletes who took part in the marathon.
He said there are no more words to salute Eliud Kipchoge for his remarkable performance in Berlin.
“There are no more superlatives to truly salute the G.O.A.T Eliud Kipchoge. You are indeed a champion in every sense of the word. Your Fifth Berlin Marathon victory was a joy to watch. I also extend my congratulations to Vincent Kipkemboi who in his first-ever marathon, came in second and, Sheila Chepkirui who finished second in the Berlin Women’s Marathon 2023. Hongera Team Kenya,” the wiper party leader said in a tweet.
Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang on his part said:
“Congratulations to Eliud Kipchoge for his historic achievement in Berlin, becoming the first man to secure victory at the Berlin Marathon five times and etching his name into the annals of history. We are proud of you Champ,” he said.
