'There’s nothing magic'- Veteran tactician dismisses doping claims following Ruth Chepng'etich's & John Korir's Chicago Marathon performance

'There’s nothing magic'- Veteran tactician dismisses doping claims following Ruth Chepng'etich's & John Korir's Chicago Marathon performance

Abigael Wafula 07:00 - 20.10.2024

John Korir’s coach, Ron Mann, dismissed doping rumors surrounding Korir and Ruth Chepng’etich’s record-breaking performances at the Chicago Marathon, attributing their success to hard work and dedication.

John Korir’s coach Ron Mann has quashed the doping rumors making rounds following Ruth Chepng’etich’s world record and John Korir’s personal best time at the Chicago Marathon.

In the women’s race, Ruth Chepng’etich clocked a stunning 2:09:56 to cross the finish line, obliterating Tigst Assefa’s previous world record that she set at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. On his part, John Korir clocked 2:02:44 to win the men’s race.

Following their impressive wins, many people have cast their doubts on their performances, noting that they are too good to be true. However, John Korir’s coach believes it is through hard work and sacrifice that they have managed to achieve those milestones.

He told Citius Mag about his strong belief in their hard work, explaining that their performance was not brought about by magic. Having worked with Wesley Korir, John Korir’s elder brother, coach Ron Mann pointed out that as a family, they have always worked hard.

“We’ve seen it…I’ve been watching the Korirs running for a long time and I know what they are capable of and I know the kind of people they are. I believe in them and there’s nothing magic, it’s just doing lots of hard work for a long period of time,” the tactician said.

“I started with his brother 20 years ago and I was working with the Korirs for a long time and I trust them and they trust me and so that’s what it’s about, it’s trusting the village and having good people around you and could he have run 2:03 or 2:04 last year, probably could have but he learned how to win,” he added.

This season, John Korir has been impressive, finishing fourth at the Boston Marathon before winning the Boilermaker Road Race and the ASICS Falmouth Road Race. He capped off his season with a win at the Chicago Marathon.

On her part, Ruth Chepng’etich started her season with a ninth-place finish at the London Marathon before winning the 21k Buenos Aires. She completed her season with the record-breaking run in Chicago.

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