Kipchoges Marathon record will stand for years- Makau

Former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau believes the new World Marathon record set by his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday at Berlin in Germany will stand for years before it is broken.

Spot-on Kipchoge ,widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of the modern era defended his Berlin Marathon title in a time of 2:01:39 smashing Dennis Kimetto’s world best by a minute and 18 seconds set in 2014 and Makau who did it in 2011 ,says it will be difficult to erase the new record.

In a wide ranging interview with Citizen Digital, Makau who announced his retirement from the sport last week due to a recurrent patella tendon injury hailed Kipchoge for his feat while also welcoming him to the elite club of record breakers.

Makau was the second Kenyan to break the World Marathon record after Paul Tergat attained the feat in 2003 with the former smashing Ethiopia’s Haile Gebrselassie 2008 record in a time of 2:03:38 in 2011 before Wilson Kipsang shattered Makau’s record in 2013. He had also won the title in 2010.

“For sure it will be difficult to break this sensational record and it will take some years before someone does it. I am happy for him because he has been persistent since 2013 when he first won Barcelona Half Marathon. Congratulations to him and he should know this win is for all Kenyans,” said Makau.

Not only did Kipchoge cement his place in the history books by setting a new world record, but he also led Kenya to a 1-2-3 sweep in the race.

Patrick Makau after breaking the world record at the 2011 Berlin Marathon (PHOTO/Getty Images)
(FILE)Patrick Makau after breaking the world record at the 2011 Berlin Marathon (PHOTO/Getty Images)

Amos Kipruto finished second in 2:06:22, scooping the silver medal, while former world record holder Wilson Kipsang emerged third in 2:06:47, in what is deemed a historic performance for the trio.

In the women’s category, Kenya’s Gladys Cherono smashed her personal best and course record when she claimed her third Berlin Marathon victory on Sunday in a time of 2:18:11.

Meanwhile, after throwing in the towel due to injuries, Makau said that he will focus his energies on coaching younger athletes especially from the southern part of Kenya where he hails from.

The soft-spoken athlete, who started his road running career with victory at the 2005 Zanzibar Half Marathon, has however cautioned that his target is to end Rift Valley’s dominance in the sport.

“Rift Valley has traditionally received the strongest challenge from Ukambani but recently it is like we are nosediving and after retiring I want now to concentrate more on how we can get back to where we were. I want another athlete from Southern Region to win this World Marathon. That is how we should compete,” vowed Makau.

Makau has run in over 20 marathons, finishing at least 11 of them ever since his debut in Rotterdam in 2008.

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Eliud Kipchoge Patrick Makau Berlin Marathon Record Marathon

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