Eliud Kipchoge received the much-needed morale boost from Kenyans residing in Germany and their fellow citizens from Sweden and Norway at the 2023 Berlin Marathon, enabling him to win an unprecedented fifth Berlin Marathon championship on Sunday.
Fans from all walks of life were at the finish line to see their own Kipchoge make more history while decked out in Kenyan garb and carrying Kenyan flags.
They took up a large portion of the spectator stand and waved the flags while chanting the famous Kenyan hymn “Hakuna Matata” to wow the audience, which was also applauding the Greatest of All Time runners (G.O.A.T.).
And when the World Record holder neared the finish line, nobody could be heard above the chants of “Kipchoge… Kipchoge… Kipchoge” led by Kenyan Ambassador to Germany Tom Amolo and his deputy Dr. Amb Esther Mungai.
The two-time Olympian did not let everyone down, going on to not only retain his championship but also win a record-tying sixth Berlin Marathon.
When Kipchoge came to greet them and gave them the chance to shake hands with the G.O.A.T. and snap selfies, the supporters were ecstatic.
Amb. Amolo commended the supporters for attending in huge numbers, emphasizing that it significantly boosts Kenya’s international reputation.
Although we were expecting this fantastic result, it would have been much better if he had broken the world record. Amolo told Capital Sport in Berlin, “All the Kenyans came out in great numbers; we were here early by 6 a.m., and we are delighted that we have had positive results. We are excited, and this is another chance for Kenya to market itself as the birthplace of athletics, community, and joy.
He said, “Hopefully the next time we can have a Kenya house to showcase our heritage, the tea, and the coffee during this marathon.”
“We are very excited to be here supporting our marathoners with Eliud Kipchoge the Greatest of All Time dominating,” added his deputy, Dr. Amb. Esther Mungai. Kenyans have flocked to Berlin in big numbers, and we are proud of this.
Here are some of the Kenyan supporters’ comments:
“Kenya is in the lead! Our time has come! Being Kenyan makes us really proud. We are overjoyed because they made us proud,” one of the supporters exclaimed.
Another supporter remarked, “We are thrilled and praying for him and other Kenyans. Kipchoge has delivered so many gold medals to our nation.
“Sports, especially athletics, are the one thing that unites Kenyans, and I’m telling my fellow countrymen back home that when we’re here, we always cheer for our people.”
“Kipchoge is the best; congratulations on winning the Berlin Marathon. He is a role model for our kids, and we want them to follow in his footsteps.
“This is my first visit, and I came here to take a picture with Kipchoge. I’m glad I saw him, though.”
He makes me want to run here in Berlin as he did, and I know that I will succeed one day.
