Two-time Olympic champion and world record holder Eliud Kipchoge says Monday, April 17, was a tough day for him on the track after finishing sixth during the 127th Boston Marathon.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday night, the legendary athlete, who had been bidding to add the Boston crown to previous marathon victories in Berlin, Tokyo, London and Chicago, said he pushed himself hard but could not outshine his equally talented competitors.
"I live for the moments where I get to challenge the limits. It’s never guaranteed, it’s never easy. Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height," Kipchoge wrote.
Kipchoge conceded defeat and congratulated his rivals for their impressive performance, adding that he looks forward to another challenge in the future.
"I want to congratulate my competitors and thank everyone in Boston and from home for the incredible support I am so humbled to receive. In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge. Excited for what’s ahead," he added.
I live for the moments where I get to challenge the limits. It’s never guaranteed, it’s never easy. Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height. pic.twitter.com/hYadxV5yLE
— Eliud Kipchoge - EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) April 17, 2023
Kipchoge was stunned by defending champion Evans Chebet in the men's Boston Marathon on Monday.
In wet and windy conditions, 2022 champion Chebet took his time before surging away in the closing stages to become the first man to defend the Boston crown since compatriot Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot completed a hat trick of victories between 2006-2008.
Chebet finished in a time of 2hr 5min 54sec, with Tanzania's Gabriel Geay finishing second in 2:06:04, and Kenyan Benson Kipruto third in 2:06:04.
Kipchoge trailed home in sixth place in 2:09:23, around three-and-a-half minutes adrift of Chebet.
Kipchoge had looked in prime form over the opening stages, coolly leading a group of 10 runners through the halfway stage in 1:02:19 but struggled as the race moved into the Newton hills.
Additional reporting by agencies.
