Chicago heroes, Kirui and Kiplagat hailed in tributes

Olympics gold medallist and two-time London champion, Eliud Kipchoge led political leaders and fellow athletes in congratulating Kenyan athletes for their resounding performance at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

Two- time world champion Abel Kirui led his compatriots into grabbing the top five positions in the men’s race while Florence Kiplagat retained her women’s title as Kenya swept the first four places.

Speaking to Citizen Digital on Monday, Kipchoge said that it’s encouraging to see Kenyan athletes ruling the international sporting arena because it motivates other upcoming athletes to do their best.

“I want to extend my special congratulations to all Kenyan athletes who were at the Chicago Marathon, it’s not easy to defend your title at a World Marathon Majors but Florence did it,” the 2014 Chicago champion added.

Speaking after his epic victory, Kirui, 34, stated he hoped his victory would convince organisers of the 2017 London Marathon to give him a shot against Kipchoge and former world marathon record holder, Wilson Kipsang as well as Ethiopian legend and Berlin champion, Kenenisa Bekele.

“Well done Abel Kirui for winning the #ChicagoMarathon as Florence Kiplagat retains her title 2nd year in a row. Kenya is celebrating you,” the Leader of Majority in the National Assembly, Aden Duale, posted on Twitter.

Athletes from 2 Running Club in Kapsabet, Nandi County coached by Italian, Claudio Berardelli, could not hide their excitement after Dickson Chumba the 2015 Chicago Champion finished second.

The dethroned titleholder braved jetlag to chase Kirui all the way to the line, stopping the clock only three seconds later in 2:11:26 after his USA visa was delayed forcing him to travel from Nairobi on Thursday and rest for only a day before the race.

Paris Marathon titleholder Cyprian Kotut led athletes from the camp in acknowledging Chumba’s heroic achievement.

“I want to congratulate Chumba for being number two despite all the problems he went through. He did his best at a World Marathon Major that is not easy. I want to really appreciate his efforts and thank him for being a true hero.

“He has really encouraged us; it’s been a good time for us. Last week during the Berlin Marathon, Evans Chebet took position three in that race and Chumba took second place in Chicago. This means we are doing it right at the club and right on track. I believe Dickson and Chebet have confirmed that our training programme is okay and they have boosted our morale,” he added.

“What Dickson did was amazing, it has showed me that you can still manage if you know your body is fit even if forces are trying to work against you and time to rest is little.

“I was really scared for him and I watched the race nervously with my friends. When they started kicking I could not settle down, at one time I thought of closing my eyes. I was too nervous and I prayed for Chumba very much.

“He really inspired me and I know when I shall be making my marathon debut I shall have people to look up to.” Abraham Beretum also of 2Running Club added.

Their employer, the National Police Service was not left behind in honouring their running heroes. Kirui is a Chief Inspector with the Administration Police while Kiplagat is a corporal with the Regular Police force.

“Congrats Chief Inspector @AbelKirui1 for the amazing performance at the 2016 #ChicagoMarathon. We are proud of you. ” AP Service Kenya posted on their Twitter handle.

“On my behalf and entire National Police Service, Cpl Florence Kiplagat, receive my congratulations for winning this year’s #ChicagoMarathon,” the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett added on the micro blogging site.

Kirui out-sprinted Chumba at the last 200m to stop the timer at 2:11:22 to with Geoffrey Kipketer (2:12:20) rounding the podium. Paul Lonyangata (2:13:17) and Stephen Sambu (2:13:35) finished fourth and fifth.