Kipkosgei leveraging pacemaker experience for victory at Berlin Marathon

In less than two weeks, Simon Kipkosgei will be among the elite athletes lining up for the 2024 Berlin Marathon. The global marathon will happen on Sunday, 29 September on the streets of Berlin, Germany.

Kipkosgei previously served as a pacemaker in marathons and is now eager to graduate to competing for a win.

The upcoming race holds special significance as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Marathon.

He was a pacemaker during last year’s edition and is determined to make the competition a memorable one.

“Last year, I was supposed to pace up to the 25th kilometer, but I was still energetic after that, so I ran up to the 30th kilometer,” Kipkosgei recalled on his past pacing duties.

“When I got there, I felt like I could do more and added another kilometer. I would have continued, but the organizers did not allow it because pacemakers have a limit in major races,” he continued.

Having pushed those boundaries before, Kipkosgei feels ready to take on the full 42-kilometer distance.

His training has been intense, and he credits his coaches for preparing him for this critical moment. He trains at the Kechei Training Center in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

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Now, he is focused on executing his best race, acknowledging that it will be up to him, and the guidance of his faith to successfully cross the finish line.

“I’ve been preparing very well, and I think I’m ready to go. I can now complete the 42 kilometers. I owe it to myself and God to be in my best form during the race,” he offered.

The thought of competing alongside top athletes, including his fellow campmates James Kangongo and Stephen Kiprop, Stanley Kurgat, and Stephen Kiprop adds to his excitement.

The likes of Bernard Kibet, Felix Kirui, Silas Sugut, and Vincent Nyageo will be pacemakers in the marathon.

Their shared goal of achieving personal bests will drive them forward as they work together to conquer the course.

About the 2024 Berlin Marathon

The 2024 Berlin Marathon has attracted over 50,000 runners from more than 150 nations in the world. The marathon will mark its 50th edition and is set to be a spectacular celebration of endurance and athletic prowess.

Among the international athletes competing in the men's race are top names like Tadese Takele, Ronald Korir, and Kibiwott Kandie.

The women’s field boasts favorites such as Tigist Ketema, Genzebe Dibaba, and Yebregual Melese, ensuring a highly competitive event.

Eliud Kipchoge is the marathon’s defending champion, having secured his fifth Berlin Marathon victory in the 2023 edition. Kipchoge’s remarkable run in last year’s race saw him dominate the field, with Vincent Kipkemboi taking second place and Ethiopia’s Takele completing the podium.

In the women’s race, 2022 surprise winner Tigst Assefa successfully defended her title, with Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui finishing second and Tanzanian debutante Magdalena Shauri rounding out the top three.