Record-breaker Kosgei hungry for more after Chicago heroics

World marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei says she does not plan to coast on her latest accomplishment, declaring she could run even faster after breaking women’s world marathon record in Chicago.

Kosgei ran two hours, 14 minutes and 4 seconds at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, shattering Paula Radcliffe’s 16-year-old world record and says she can lower that mark if she stays disciplined.

“I was eager to break the record to 2:16 and I managed 2:14 I will try my best to lower the record by at least a minute and I know that I can make it if all goes well,” said Kosgei.

The 25-year-old, who was hosted by Athletics Kenya for breakfast  at Riadha House on Wednesday morning, added she hopes to compete at the Olympic Games next year in Tokyo, Japan.

“I hope to compete at the Olympic Games but since we are closing the season now, we will sit down with my manager and plan for next season,” said Kosgei.

Kosgei has enjoyed a stellar  season and earlier this year  became the youngest woman to ever win the London Marathon when she destroyed a strong field that comprised of three winners of the World Marathon Majors- then defending champion Vivian Cheruiyot, Mary Keitany (New York City), and Gladys Cherono (Berlin marathon).

Although Kosgei’s heroics came as a surprise to many, her coach Eric Kimaiyo disclosed that it was a well-orchestrated plan.

“We had planned for this only that we kept it for ourselves since we did not want to put her (Kosgei) under a lot of pressure.

World Athletics governing body recognizes two world records for women- with Kosgei now holding the record for a marathon race contested by both men and women while her compatriot Mary Keitany holds the women’s only record of 2:17:01 set in April, 2017.

Kimaiyo, a former marathoner further disclosed that the Women’s Only Record and Half Marathon record held by another Kenyan Joyciline Jepkosgei are both on their radar.

“We will not stop here just yet because we are still eyeing to lower the women’s only marathon as well as the half marathon records. That shows you that we still have a lot to do,” said Kimaiyo.

The event was led by Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei who congratulated Kosgei as well as the world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge who ran a record 1:59:40 at the INEOS race.

“I can say this is one of the best seasons we have had in the recent past. We want to sincerely congratulate our athletes including Brigid who finally shattered the record that has been evading us for close to two decades.

“We also want to congratulate Eliud Kipchoge for his heroics on Saturday. These athletes have brought us a lot of glory,” said Tuwei.

The AK boss said the federation is currently organising a ceremony for all the athletes who registered outstanding performances including team Kenya to the World Championships which placed second in the world rankings.

Kosgei was also shortlisted for the IAAF World Female Athlete of the Year honour alongside her compatriots; world 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and world 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri.