With Kenyan athletes dominating the Berlin Marathon for nearly three decades, Kiprop hopes to continue that tradition, especially with the absence of five-time winner Eliud Kipchoge. He will face stiff competition from fellow Kenyans Justus Kangogo, Philemon Kipchumba, Mathew Kipkosgei, Samwel Mailu, Cyprian Kotut, and Stanley Kurgat.
Last year, Kipchoge won the Berlin Marathon in 2:02:42, followed by Vincent Kipkemboi in 2:03:13, and Ethiopia’s Tadese Takele, who finished third in 2:03:24. With a fresh field this year, Kiprop is determined to leave his mark.
After battling a serious knee injury that derailed his fast-rising athletics career for four years, Stephen Kiprop is set to make his highly anticipated debut at the 50th edition of the Berlin Marathon on Sunday, September 29.
The reigning Daegu Marathon champion is approaching the race with a cautious yet optimistic mindset. Kiprop, 25, who gained international recognition in 2018 with victory at the Venlo Half Marathon in the Netherlands, where he clocked an impressive 59 minutes and 44 seconds, hopes to gradually establish himself among the world’s elite marathoners.
