NAIROBI, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- Berlin marathon champions Eliud Kipchoge and Gladys Cherono have one race to conquer next year, the World Marathon Championships in Doha, Qatar.
Whereas Kipchoge excelled at the Olympics, winning in Rio in 2016, Cherono was forced to withdraw from the Kenyan team with a leg strain and missed the 2016 season. Now, should she be considered for the Kenyan team heading to Doha, Cherono will be able to write her name in the history books.
"The world championship is still far [away] and I have no plans so far. I just want to relax and enjoy my moment. I will discuss with my team and see where next to compete. Returning in Berlin is an option," said Cherono.
For Kipchoge, the world record would be a crowning achievement in his career. For now he can bask in glory of his achievements in marathon running, which will take a long time for another runner to equal.
For his efforts, Kipchoge will take home at least 120,000 U.S. dollars. In addition to prize money, athletes are collecting appearance fees, sponsorship money and course-record bonuses.
Indeed 15 years ago, the world came to know Kipchoge when he outsprinted Moroccan Hicham El-Guerrouj and Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele to win the world title in the 5,000 meters at the Paris World Championships.
At that time, the marathon world record was 2:05:38. Kipchoge has run a 2:01:39 marathon yet to be ratified by the IAAF, leaving the world and the athletics family dreaming of how fast the human body can endure a continuous run.
"I am not running to compete with others I am competing with my mind," said Kipchoge.
Indeed, it would be pointless to run against a man who has won all but one race since he turned professional in marathon running back in 2012.
His past performances in the marathon saw him win in his debut at the Hamburg marathon (2:05:30) and finish second in Berlin (2:04:05), the only professional loss he has had to suffer over the distance.
He went on to win 10 other races in Berlin, London, Rio, Chicago and Rotterdam.
Widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Kipchoge ran a time of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds in Berlin this year to beat compatriot Dennis Kimetto's world best of 2:02:57.
