Kenyans react to Kipchoge, Cherono stunning performances at Berlin Marathon

Kenyans have taken to social media to express their excitement after Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge set a new world record and Gladys Cherono completed a brilliant Kenyan double at the Berlin Marathon on Sunday.

33-year-old Kipchoge, widely seen as the greatest marathon runner of the modern era, ran a time of 2:01:39 to beat Dennis Kimetto’s world best set of 2:02:57 in Berlin back in 2014. Cherono’s winning time of 2:18:10 also set a new women’s record at the German capital.

Top political leaders including Raila Odinga, DP William Ruto, Senator Mutula Kilonzo, Governor Mike Sonko, Wavinya Ndeti among others have come out to congratulate the Olympic stars for flying the country’s flag high.

Celebratory activities have already been reported at Kipchoge’s home region in the Rift with locals who spoke to Citizen TV saying they intend to engage in songs and dances of victory from the Eldoret town centre all the way to the champion’s compound.

Congratulations my friend @EliudKipchoge for breaking the World Marathon Record. Proud of you brother #Magicalkenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/6PjLCrX0u0

— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) September 16, 2018

It’s a World Record in Berlin!!! ELIUD KIPCHOGE @EliudKipchoge You are the greatest MARATHONER of ALL TIME!! #BerlinMarathon #TeamKenya #KenyaJuu #WorldRecord #EliudKipchoge #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/dx8Ph0Ww2i

— Prof. Judi Wakhungu EGH (@JudiWakhungu) September 16, 2018

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.

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) September 16, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/1HJyOrq3SQ

— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) September 16, 2018

Congratulations champion ELIUD KIPCHOGE @EliudKipchoge for breaking the men’s marathon record at the #BerlinMarathon. You have made us proud!!! 🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/JQasyLFiFC

— Hon. Charles Keter, EGH (@ketercharles) September 16, 2018

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 🇰🇪

— Sen Mutula KilonzoJR (@SenMutula) September 16, 2018

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 ; YES WE CAN. Proudly Kenyan. #BerlinMarathon #TeamKenya pic.twitter.com/UpNeUm5uiw

— Wavinya Ndeti Oduwole (@Wavinya_Ndeti) September 16, 2018

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. pic.twitter.com/DapHtyvgJu

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) September 16, 2018

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

— Dennis Itumbi, HSC (@OleItumbi) September 16, 2018

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 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 #TeamKenya #TheScoreKE pic.twitter.com/S5oM0ngU5s

— Carol Radull (@CarolRadull) September 16, 2018