President William Ruto has led Kenyans in heaping praises on marathoner Eliud Kipchoge for winning the fifth title in the Berlin Marathon.
Kipchoge secured his fifth victory in the Berlin Marathon, clocking an impressive time of 2:02:40 on Sunday.
This win establishes Kipchoge as the first runner to have triumphed in the Berlin Marathon on five occasions.
Vincent Kipkemboi clinched the second-place position, marking his debut in the marathon distance.
In a statement, Ruto termed Kipchoge's win as masterful and historic.
"The Fifth masterful and historic performance in Berlin. Congratulations our limitless star, @EliudKipchoge for your golden staging in the BMW #BerlinMarathon2023," Ruto stated.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also heaped praises on Kipchoge, terming him as a "Marathon King" for winning the race.
"The Marathon King has done it again. Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge for winning the Berlin Marathon for the fifth time. Your win in this year's edition cements your special status in the World of Marathon running," Gachagua stated.
Here are congratulatory messages by other prominent Kenyans:-
"Hail the King of Marathon Eliud Kipchoge! Winning the Berlin Marathon for a record fifth time in a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 42 seconds confirms your status as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) and yet again raising the Kenyan flag even higher," Interior CS Kithure Kindiki stated.
First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto stated, "What an incredible run! Congratulations to our outstanding Kenyan athletes at the Berlin Marathon; Eliud Kipchoge on securing his fifth Berlin Marathon title; Vincent Kipkemboi on finishing second in his debut marathon; and Sheila Chepkirui on finishing second in the women's race! You are all an inspiration to athletes around the world and true ambassadors of Kenya. We are immensely proud of your remarkable achievements!"
"Congratulations Eliud Kipchoge for a stellar performance at the #BerlinMarathon2023. Once again Kipchoge has displayed an unmatched command of the 42km race as he recorded his fifth victory in the capital of Germany. In deed impossible is nothing," Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stated.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said, "Once again, @EliudKipchoge asserts his command and dominance, showcasing his exceptional skill and defending his title by securing victory in the Berlin Marathon for an unparalleled 5th time. Bravo!"
