New Delhi: One of the greatest marathoners of all time, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya said Thursday that he chose to run in Sunday’s Delhi Half Marathon to inspire the people of India to take up road running.
The 32-year-old Kipchoge, who will be making his first competitive appearance here after winning the Rio Olympics marathon gold, is a living legend in Kenya for his achievements.
“I love this country and the people. I want to inspire the people of India, especially the youth to take up to this sport. Road running is also good for health and I want to promote this fact,” he said when asked what prompted him to take part in the Delhi Half Marathon.
“I consider the Delhi event as one of the best half marathon races. I look forward to run my best, clock a strong timing, Sunday. My preparations have been good,” added Kipchoge.
The Kenyan had been to India earlier as he had won a silver medal in 5000m race in the 2010 Delhi CWG. He started running marathon races in 2012 and four years later added the Olympic marathon gold to his already overflowing medals’ kitty.
Asked what is left to be achieved in his illustrious career, Kipchoge said, “I want to win all the World Marathon Majors and of course I want to achieve the world record.”
Out of the six World Marathon Majors, Kipchoge has won the Chicago, London and Berlin. The other three are Boston, New York and Tokyo. Dennis Kimetto of Kenya holds the marathon world record timing of 2:02:57 seconds, while Kipchoge’s 2:03:05s is the third fastest of all time. Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele has the second fastest time of 2:03:03s.
Press Trust of India