Benson Kipruto expresses happiness after breaking Tokyo Marathon course record
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 03.03.24. | 14:43
Kipruto said he did not know what had happened to Kipchoge but declared himself "ready" for the Paris Games if he is chosen for Kenya's team
2022 Chicago Marathon champion Benson Kipruto has expressed delight after breaking and setting a new course record at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon while leading a Kenyan contingent to a 1-3 sweep in the wee hours of Sunday morning.
Kipruto marshaled the marathon known for its challenging course and competitive field to finish the race in a record time of 2:02:16 while compatriots Timothy Kiplagat came second running in 2:02:55. Vincent Ngetich came in 2:04:55 to complete Kenya’s clean sweep in an event that saw marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge finish tenth clocking 2:06:50.
Kipruto who took over the lead from Kiplagat around 30km in and powered towards the finish for a new personal best and the eighth-fastest time in history talking to the event organizers after the race could not hide his excitement however, noted he did not know if he was on world record pace.
“Today’s race was good and I am happy about the course record, I will be back soon in Japan to run the Tokyo Marathon in the near future,” he told the Tokyo Marathon Foundation.
Kipruto said he did not know what had happened to Kipchoge but declared himself "ready" for the Paris Games if he is chosen for Kenya's team.
"I didn't know we were on world record pace - there was no problem, we were ready for it," said the 32-year-old, the 2022 Chicago winner.
Course records fall in Tokyo 🗼
— World Athletics (@WorldAthletics) March 3, 2024
🇰🇪's Benson Kipruto moves up to 5th on the marathon all time-list with 2:02:16 👏
🇪🇹's Sutume Kebede clocks 2:15:55, which puts her in 8th place on the all-time list. pic.twitter.com/H8ZJIqsor9
When asked if he could become the first person to run under two hours, Kipruto said: "Nothing is impossible, I will work on that."
Meanwhile, Kipchoge speaking after recording his worst-ever Marathon finish, the double Olympic champion said "Not every day is Christmas.”
Kipchoge who is gearing up for an attempt to win his third straight Olympic marathon gold later this year said something had happened in the middle of the race while maintaining it is still early to determine what shape he will be in at the Paris Games.
Taking to his social media handles, Kipchoge who has found it rough in recent races congratulated all participants while acknowledging there are good and bad days in sport.
“I can only say that sport is about good days and bad days. Unfortunately, today was a bad day for me. I want to congratulate all participants who reached the finish line, all pursuing their own goals and dreams. Thank you, Tokyo, and to the fans around the world for all of your love and support! We take the lessons of today for the build-up of tomorrow,” read a post from his Instagram page.
