1) Eluid Kipchoge is a lover of European capitals
Winner of this year’s London Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge followed up that superb performance by triumphing in Berlin on Sunday. Clocking an impressive time of 2hrs 4mins, the Kenyan looks a real force – and a name that may well be dominating the marathon scene for some time.
2) Dennis Kimetto’s world record stays intact – for now
Kipchoge and the lead group flew through 10K in 29mins 19secs – five seconds ahead of the world record pace. However, Kipchoge’s final time was one minute and three seconds out. But who knows what time he could have hit had his insoles stayed put? (See point 3 for details). The Berlin marathon is renowned as a quick course, with the previous six world records having been broken there.
3) It’s possible to win a marathon with your insoles half-out
That’s right. After the first mile, Kipchoge’s left insole had slowly started to slip out of his shoe. By the 10K mark, the right insole decided to join the party. Daring not to stop and lose time, Kipchoge persevered. According to the Kenyan, the glue on the insoles did not stick. The price he paid? A heavily blistered left foot and a cut toe gushing blood.
4) Britain’s Scott Overall is band on form
In this issue of Men’s Running, we feature Scott in ‘My Running Life’, where he states his ambition to run Berlin and qualify for Rio 2016. Well, he certainly hasn’t done himself any harm for Rio 2016 selection. Finishing 10th with a cracking time of 2hrs 11mins 24secs, Scott finished over two minutes inside the qualifying time of 2hrs 14mins.
5) You could be one of 27,897 runners next year
Registration for the 2016 Berlin Marathon takes place from 19 October until 1 November this year. If you fancy yourself as a marathon runner, then sign yourself up for this famously fast course. Enter here – http://bit.ly/1LXpgf9
