Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang admitted he was delighted to break the marathon world record in Berlin on Sunday in a new official best time of 2hrs 3 mins and 23 seconds.
Kispang, 31, shaved 15 seconds off the previous world record set by compatriot Patrick Makau, who ran 2:03.38 over 42.195 kilometres (26.2miles) in the German capital two years ago.
Having said in the build up that he was running to break the world record in Berlin, Kipsang was true to his word. “I think in the last few kilometres I had the feeling it was on and I was feeling strong,” said Kipsang, who collected the winner’s cheque of 40,000 euros (US$54,068) with a 50,000 euros bonus for the world record. “My plan was to really push in the last few kilometres, I knew it would be a fight. “I just wanted to make sure we had a good pace at the start and I knew the record was beatable. “It was my first time racing here, it’s a really nice course and a great city. I love it here!”
Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge, who won the Hamburg marathon in April on his debut over the distance, finished second in a personal best time of 2:04.05 with compatriot Geoffrey Kipsang third with 2:06.26.
This is the ninth time a world record has been set in Berlin and five men’s world records have been set here in the last decade alone.
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