BUDAPEST, Hungary, Aug 27 – Kenya’s World Championships marathon first timer Titus Kipruto was left to rue the brutal weather conditions which he says left him in a tricky position, with fatigue tapping him on the shoulder a lot sooner than usual.
Kipruto observed that he found himself on unfamiliar ground which called for greater emphasis on strategy and mental discipline.
It’s been baking here in Budapest, with soaring temperatures and humidity making it feel hotter and harder for the athletes to give their100% performance.
Kipruto nevertheless relished his global championship debut despite tough conditions.
“It was hard. The heat was intense, the humidity was there, it was one of the toughest and sweatiest races I’ve ever been in, but finishing in the top 10 is not that bad at the global arena, though I was hoping for a better result,” remarked Kipruto who finished 8th in a time of 2:10.47.
Another Kenyan Timothy Kiplagat clocked 21:11.25 to finish 14th whilst his other compatriot Joshua Belet bowed out with injury as medals proved elusive for the three-man Kenyan team in the energy-sapping specialty.
Victor Kiplangat chalked up Uganda’s second ever men’s marathon title with two-time Ethiopian born Israeli Olympian Maru Teferi taking silver ahead of Ethiopia’s Leul Gebresilase.
“At one point I felt I could push a lot more and join the leading pack, but my body couldn’t allow me. We had planned as Kenyans to attack at the 35th mark but then again with the conditions, there was little we could do.”
Kipruto alluded to the fact that that it’s still a steep learning curve for him before he begins riding on the crest of the waves.
“It’s only my first time at the World Champs. I had high hopes when we were starting in the morning but that’s sport, you always love to fight another day.” Kipruto continued.
“Now I know what it feels to run with the champions, I will try my level best next time to finish in the podium. My fans back home should learn to live with it because that is what God has planned for us as we wait for next time. I would love to do one major, probably London,” explained Kipruto.
Kipruto has participated in five marathons between 2021 October to date.
He finished fourth at this year’s Tokyo Marathon. In October 2022, he came second at the Amsterdam Marathon and won the Telepass Milano Marathon in Milan last year in April.
-Alex Isaboke is reporting from Budapest, Hungary-
