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Kipchoge faces tough competition in his bid for a third Olympic gold from elite runners in Paris 2024 Marathon.
On Saturday 10 August Eliud Kipchoge will aim to secure an unprecedented third Olympic marathon gold, a feat never before achieved in the history of the sport.
However, standing in his way are three formidable athletes, each with their own remarkable achievements and unique strengths.
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16:20 - 10.06.2024
Why Eliud Kipchoge trains on a gravel track in Eldoret once a week as he gears up for Paris Olympics
Experts have explained why Eliud Kipchoge and his teammates regulary train on a gravel track once a week as preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics hit top gear.
These competitors have shown that they possess the capability and determination to challenge Kipchoge's dominance at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Paris Olympics 2024 Marathon: Contenders to watch against Eliud Kipchoge
1. Benson Kipruto
Reigning Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto has already proven his mettle by outpacing none other than Kipchoge earlier this year.
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At 33, Kipruto might be approaching what many consider the twilight years of a marathoner's career yet his performances suggest otherwise.
His victory in Tokyo was not just a win; it was a statement, breaking Kipchoge’s previous course record by a significant 24 seconds with a stunning finish time of 2:02:40.
The victory in Japan followed his triumphs in the Boston Marathon in 2021 and the Chicago Marathon in 2022 showcasing his consistent excellence across different courses and conditions.
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09:00 - 16.07.2024
Paris 2024 Olympic: 5 races that Kenyans will face most formidable challenge in
A list of three events where Kenyans will not have an easy run in their pursuit of gold at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Kipruto's strategic prowess was on full display in Tokyo as he made a decisive move after the 30km mark taking the lead from Kiplagat who was just ahead of the chase group.
His finishing strength and ability to accelerate in the later stages of a race could be his greatest assets when facing Kipchoge in Paris.
Moreover, his performance in Chicago, where he improved his personal best to 2:04:02, positions him as a serious threat not just to compete, but to potentially dethrone the Olympic champion.
Despite his impressive resume Paris will be Kipruto’s first Olympic appearance, adding an element of unpredictability.
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13:40 - 01.05.2024
Benson Kipruto explains why he will be running for Kelvin Kiptum at Paris Olympics
Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto has given reasons why he will be dedicating his Paris Olympics race to former world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
His lack of experience on the Olympic stage could be seen as a drawback but his recent performances indicate that he is ready to take on the challenge.
The course in Paris, with its historical significance and physical demands, will test all competitors but Kipruto has already shown that he can rise to such challenges.
2. Alexander Munyao
Another Kenyan powerhouse Alexander Mutiso will arrive in Paris off the back of a spectacular year, having clocked an impressive time of 2:04:01.
His notable victory at the London Marathon over the legendary Kenenisa Bekele highlighted his capacity to excel against world-class competition.
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In a dramatic finish Munyao broke away from Bekele along the River Thames securing a lead that he extended all the way to the finish line.
Munyao’s journey from running 5 km to and from school in Makueni County to the global marathon stage is a testament to his tenacity and passion for running.
His experience in Valencia where he finished third with a time of 2:03:29, showcased his resilience and strategic racing characteristics essential for taking on a marathon of Olympic proportions.
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21:00 - 22.04.2024
London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao dedicates victory to late Kelvin Kiptum
Munyao has dedicated his victory in London to the late Kelvin Kiptum.
The Paris route, with its historical landmarks and challenging terrain, will be an ideal stage for Munyao to leverage his strengths.
His experience in diverse conditions, combined with a strong finish in Valencia, positions him as a formidable contender who could very well disrupt Kipchoge’s quest for a third gold.
3. Deresa Geleta
Deresa Geleta of Ethiopia enters the Paris Olympics as a serious contender having demonstrated his formidable capabilities at the Zurich Maraton de Sevilla, where he registered a personal best of 2:03:27.
In Sevilla, Geleta showcased his strategic acumen and physical endurance, particularly after the pacemakers dropped out.
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His ability to maintain a fast pace and make a decisive move at the critical 25 km mark was instrumental in his victory.
Geleta's performance in Sevilla was not just about his finishing time but how he managed the race dynamics.
Challenged by a group of elite runners, he held his nerve and pulled away over the final 5 km to secure a 20-second victory. This ability to accelerate towards the end of the race, a crucial skill in marathon running, will be vital when he lines up in Paris against the world’s best.
Having faced down the pressure in Sevilla, Geleta will need to bring his best to Paris, where the competition will be even fiercer.
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19:45 - 07.06.2024
Good news for Eliud Kipchoge as Nike unveil new marathon running shoes worth Ksh 37,000 ahead of Paris Olympics
As he chases history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Eliud Kipchoge will have the chance to try out the newly unveiled Nike shoes worth Ksh 36,000.
His strong showing this year makes him a dark horse in the race capable of causing an upset.
The unique Parisian course will test all athletes but Geleta’s experience in managing race tactics and his proven endurance could see him emerge as a key challenger to Kipchoge’s title defense.
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