Eliud Kipchoge’s advise ahead of 2024 Berlin Marathon

Five-time Berlin Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and arch-foe Kenenisa Bekele are, for the first time in about a decade, missing out on the starting line of this year’s marathon in the German capital. 

In their absence, last year’s third placer Tadese Takele who returns to Berlin following his 2:03:24, is the fastest on the start list but he has not competed internationally since.

Kenyans Cybrian Kotut, Kibiwott Kandie and Samwel Mailu are expected to give the Ethiopians a run for their money as they look to retain the title won by countryman Kipchoge in the last two editions, breaking the then-world record in 2022. 

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Kipchoge says he is 'expecting anything' at this year's race, in an interview with Olympics.com saying he could have attended as a fan to celebrate 50 years, and thank the fans and the organizers for the many years of support. 

Even as he watches from home, the two-time Olympic champion is fully contented with his achievements that include becoming the first athlete in history to win the Berlin Marathon five times(2015, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023) also setting world records in the German city in 2018 (2:01:39) and 2022 (2:01:09). 

“Berlin is full of surprises,” he says. "I expect anything. If both line-ups are ready, they will have good races.”

“Everybody has a plan and at the back of their mind know what they need from that race. I would advise them to stick to their plan and trust their minds and their systems, like what the coach is telling them.

They know Berlin is a fast course, they should run freely and enjoy," the 39-year-old who registered his first career DNF (Did Not Finish) at the Paris Olympics, chasing a record third title, added.

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