On April 28, 2019, sports enthusiasts around the world watched in anticipation as Eliud Kipchoge, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder, ran the London Marathon. However, despite being a favorite to win, Kipchoge came in second place with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 37 seconds.
This outcome shocked many fans and left them wondering why Kipchoge lost the London Marathon. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the factors that may have contributed to Kipchoge’s loss.
The Weather Conditions
The weather is one of the most significant factors that can affect a marathon runner’s performance. During the London Marathon 2019, runners had to deal with unusually high temperatures for that time of year. The temperature was around 24°C (75°F), which is higher than what most runners are used to training in.
Kipchoge is known for his ability to run in hot conditions due to his training in Kenya’s warm climate. However, running a marathon in hot weather can be challenging for any athlete and can lead to dehydration and fatigue.
The Competition
Another factor that may have contributed to Kipchoge’s loss is the competition. The London Marathon featured some of the best long-distance runners in the world, including Ethiopia’s Mosinet Geremew and Mule Wasihun who came first and third respectively.
Geremew was particularly impressive during this race and managed to keep up with Kipchoge throughout most of it. In addition, Geremew had previously beaten Kipchoge at the Dubai Marathon earlier that year.
The Pace
Kipchoge is known for setting his own pace during marathons rather than following others’. However, during this race, he appeared to be struggling from early on. He was seen wiping his face with a towel and pouring water over his head, which suggests that he was feeling the heat.
At around the 35 km mark, Kipchoge fell behind Geremew and Wasihun, who had increased their pace. Despite trying to catch up, Kipchoge was unable to close the gap between him and the other runners.
The Course
Finally, the course of the London Marathon itself may have played a role in Kipchoge’s loss. The course is known for its twists and turns, and it can be challenging for runners to maintain their speed and rhythm throughout.
In addition, this year’s London Marathon featured a new route that included a 180-degree turn at the halfway point. This type of turnaround can be particularly challenging for runners as they have to slow down significantly before making the turn and then accelerate again to get back up to speed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why Kipchoge may have lost the London Marathon 2019. The weather conditions were challenging, and he faced tough competition from other elite runners such as Geremew. Additionally, he struggled with maintaining his pace during this race and may have been affected by the course’s twists and turns.
Despite this loss, Kipchoge remains one of the best marathon runners in history and holds several records in his sport. His dedication to training and his remarkable performances will continue to inspire fans around the world for generations to come.