World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has thanked his fans for cheering him on during the London marathon on Sunday.
Kipchoge who finished sixth in the marathon, said he will leave London ‘motivated and happy’.
“In sport, as in life, not every attempt turns into victory, but each one brings meaning. I leave London motivated, happy, and hungry for what comes next,” Kipchoge said.
“Thank you for all your cheers on the course. This race and these fans have the biggest place in my heart. Running is a movement.”
Kipchoge is widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time.
He was prominent at the front of the lead male group but
failed to catch up, even as he ran with real authority and confidence.
Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe won the elite men’s London Marathon
on April 27 after crossing the line at 2:2:25.
He raised his arms aloft and stuck out his tongue as he
crossed the line after moving away around the 16-mile mark, and ran negative
splits.
His rivals in the lead group had no answer.
It would appear that at 29 years of age, there would be
plenty of time for more marathon accolades for Sawe.
Despite the win, Sawe could not beat the course record of
the late, great Kelvin Kiptum, who won the 2023 London Marathon in 2:1:25.
This was Sawe’s second marathon win from two after
triumphing in Valencia Marathon four months ago.
Ugandan legend Jacob Kiplimo finished second after timing
02:03:37, in what was his marathon debut, as immediate former defending
champion, Alexander Mutiso Munyao, took third after clocking 02:04:20.