Eliud Kipchoge returned to the road for a pre-Olympic Games fitness test. He’s in great form. The Marathon World Record holder came out to Mission Marathon and completed his mission. Posting a time of 2:04:30, Kipchoge was in a class by himself by the end of the race. His teammate Jonathan Korir finished in second in a personal best time of 2:06:40.
Kipchoge has been absolutely dominant since before the last Olympics in 2016. With Nike’s new shoe technology and his inherent ability as one of the greatest long-distance runners ever has been a match made in heaven. Kipchoge has the WR as well as the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medal in the marathon. Now he will turn towards securing his second Olympic gold in Tokyo.
No one should be able to stop him either. He finished strong and with his usual grin.
Kipchoge Finishing moment of NN Mission Marathon. #EliudKipchoge
2.04.30 . He is back. pic.twitter.com/leIG9I1G7a— Shajan Samuel (@IamShajanSamuel) April 18, 2021
This race was put together in less than 10 days and went off greatly. The event ended up providing plenty of great times, and a pacer even finished in under 2:09:00 but was not included in official results. Kipchoge was happy with the performance ahead of Tokyo.
The NN Mission Marathon is accomplished. I can say that I am really happy with today’s race, it was a good test before Tokyo. The race was perfect, we were running as one again. I thank the great team who organised this race in less than 10 days. pic.twitter.com/yhQnLh4wkc
— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH?? (@EliudKipchoge) April 18, 2021
In running and all sports really, there are those that separate themselves in their event once in a generation. For fans of distance races, Kipchoge is one of two GOATs in distance. Along with Kenenisa Bekele, the two have defined distance running. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are almost here and there should be plenty of great performances to look forward to along the way.
