Photo Credit: NN Running Team
On Sunday, September 24th, the vibrant streets of Berlin will come alive with the pounding footsteps of some of the world’s most elite marathoners as they gather for the 2023 BMW Berlin Marathon. This prestigious event, covering a gruelling 42.2 kilometres, promises to be a thrilling spectacle of human endurance and determination.
Eliud Kipchoge: Chasing history
The spotlight of this year’s race undoubtedly falls on the legendary Kenyan marathoner, Eliud Kipchoge. In a remarkable feat, the runner broke the men’s world record on the very same Berlin Marathon course just a year ago in 2022. Now, he returns to the capital of Germany with one goal in mind – to further lower the bar for the fastest marathon time ever recorded.
Kipchoge’s last marathon outing in Boston may have ended in a disappointing sixth-place finish, but Berlin is an entirely different beast for the 38-year-old. Kipchoge openly professes his love for the flat, super-fast course of Berlin, where he has emerged victorious on four separate occasions. As the world watches in anticipation, Kipchoge’s quest to push the limits of human potential.
Tigist Assefa: A record-breaking sensation
Tigist Assefa, the Ethiopian sensation, will be defending her title at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Her remarkable performance in 2022 saw her slash a staggering 18 minutes off her personal best and set an Ethiopian national record with a finishing time of 2:15:37. Assefa’s return to the Berlin streets promises to be a riveting chapter in her growing career.
Sheila Chepkirui: A rising star
Joining the elite women’s field is Kenya’s Sheila Chepkirui. Her victory in the 2022 Berlin Half-Marathon and her track pedigree, which includes a bronze medal in the 10,000m at the Commonwealth Games, mark her as a formidable contender in the women’s marathon event. Chepkirui’s journey to the finish line will undoubtedly be watched closely by fans and competitors alike.
But it’s important to remember that these are just a few of the stars on the starting line. The 2023 BMW Berlin Marathon will welcome approximately 45,000 elite and amateur marathoners from around the globe. Berlin has earned its reputation as one of the fastest marathons worldwide, making it a magnet for those seeking to test their mettle and chase personal bests.
The anticipation for this year’s race is palpable. With history in the making, records to be shattered, and dreams to be fulfilled, the 2023 BMW Berlin Marathon is set to be an enthralling and unforgettable event. As the runners lace up their shoes and the city of Berlin prepares to host this grand spectacle, we can only await the thunderous roar of the starting gun and the exhilarating drama that will unfold on the marathon’s brutal course.
ABOUT PROTOUCH AFRICA
PROTOUCH AFRICA is a purpose-led and Sports Tech business founded in 2016 with a focus on enabling African Athletes to perform on the World Stage.
It is pioneering new ways for fans to interact and engage with their favourite teams, leagues, and athletes and enable alternative revenue streams.
ProTouch Africa’s Podium Pursuit Project is focused on creating a transparent and sustainable funding mechanism for the next generation of African Athletes. Its vision is to launch the World’s first fan-owned impact investment platform for African Athletes in Q1 of 2024 by assembling an ecosystem of top-performing athletes, their fans, and the brands that support them.
0 Comments