Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge enhanced his reputation as arguably the greatest marathon runner when be broke his own world record by 30 seconds at the Berlin Marathon. The 37-year-old Kenyan’s 2:01:09 was a major upgrade on his 2:01:39 also set in Berlin four years ago. For the first 24 kilometres, Kipchoge had the assistance of Noah Kipkemboi and Moses Koech who ran as his pacers.

History! Eliud Kipchoge breaks his own world marathon record with an astonishing 2:01:09 – 30 seconds off the previous WR – at the Berlin Marathon 🔥

The greatest of all-time over 26.2 miles 🐐#BerlinMarathon 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/K04kzx0Umx

An elated Eliud said: “No limitations, after 38k I knew I would be capable of breaking the world record. Circumstances were great, and so was the organization of the event. I’m really happy with today and impressed by the fans and their support.”

Before Sunday’s marathon there was anticipation about Kipchoge officially entering the record books as the first person to complete a marathon under two hours. The course and the class of Kipchoge made it seem possible but it was not to be this time.

The Berlin marathon course is considered the fastest in the world because of the flat smooth roads. Kipchoge’s record on Sunday was the 12th time a marathon world record has been set in Berlin. Of these three have been by women.

In October 2019, Kipchoge became the first human being to run a sub two hour marathon in Vienna. However, it didn’t count as an official world record because he was the only competitor and was aided by a revolving group of pace makers. There were also laser guided lights helping him keep up with the time needed to clock below two hours and markings on the track which showed the fastest path. The circuit along the Danube river was chosen because it was flat and close to sea level.

In Vienna he was wearing a Vaporfly shoe made by Nike which was not in the market yet. Advancement in running shoes technology has been controversial, especially the thickness of the sole and multiple carbon plates used. World Athletics has set limits and rules which will come into force in November 2024.

Despite the debate over how much the latest shoes are helping athletes, Kipchoge remains a great. Last year Kipchoge established himself as one of the finest ever when he defended his Olympic title in Sapporo, the venue at the Tokyo Games.

Kipchoge still trains in Kaptagat, a remote village in the south western part of Kenya. At an altitude of 2400 metres it is the go to traning base for Kenya’s fastest middle and long distance runners. Kipchoge stays along with other runners in a dormitory like accomodation. His world record breaking run was his 15th win in 17 marathons.

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