Why I Lost Boston Marathon - Eliud Kipchoge

A photo collage of Eliud Kipchoge preparing for the Boston Marathon under tight security on Monday, April 17, 2023.
A photo collage of Eliud Kipchoge preparing for the Boston Marathon under tight security on Monday, April 17, 2023.
Photo/ Eliud Kipchoge

Reigning marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge on Tuesday, April 18 disclosed that he picked up a leg injury during Monday's epic Boston Marathon.

The two-time Olympic champion failed to meet the expectations of many people, particularly Kenyans when he finished sixth in a race won by compatriot Evans Chebet.

Kipchoge, who was competing in Boston for the first time in his career, was hoping to better the course record of 2:03:02 set by fellow countryman Geoffrey Mutai in 2011.

However, he dropped from the leading pack with less than 15 kilometres to go, crossing the finishing line at 2:09:23, more than three minutes after Chebet had reached the tape.

Eliud Kipchoge
Collage image of Eliud Kipchoge posing with some of his medals (left) and him hugging his coach Patrick Sang after winning the 2022 Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 25 (right).
Photos/ Eliud Kipchoge

Speaking a day after the event, the Kaptagat-based runner disclosed that he picked up an injury. 

“My left leg was actually not coming up anymore. The problem began when I approached the 30km mark.

“A lot was going on in my mind, but I said, “Hey, I can't quit. I have been in this sport for a long,” he revealed. 

The “Philosopher”, as he is widely known, added that he has to forget about his horror show and think about the future. 

"Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, today is cash and tomorrow a promissory note. Let us forget about the cancelled cheque. 

“And Let us talk about the cash and the promissory note,” the father to three adorable children added. 

When asked about his next race, Kipchoge stated that he would have to consult his team before making a decision.

After Boston, the focus now shifts to the highly anticipated London Marathon slated for Sunday, April 23. 

A number of elite Kenyan athletes including the women’s world record holder Brigid Kosgei, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir and 2022 World Athletics Championships silver medalist Judith Korir will battle it out in one of the greatest fields ever assembled.

In the men’s category, defending champion Amos Kipruto is set to line up against the likes of Kelvin Kiptum, Kenenisa Bekele and homeboy Mo Farah. 

Kiptum, the 2022 Valencia Marathon winner, is the third fastest man in the history of marathon running.

Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finishing line during the Valencia Marathon held in Spain on December 4, 2022.
Kelvin Kiptum crosses the finishing line during the Valencia Marathon held in Spain on December 4, 2022.
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