The Berlin Marathon will on Sunday mark 50 years since its inception in 1974, with the 2024 edition of the event set to be unique for a number of reasons.
Most notably, the biggest name in marathon, Eliud Kipchoge, will for the first time in more than a decade miss out on this year’s race.
The 39-year-old, who failed to finish his marathon at the Paris Olympics, is not the only big name missing from this year’s lineup.
The Ethiopian duo of Kenenisa Bekele and Guye Adola will also be absent, leaving the race open for fresh champions.
“Everybody has a plan and at the back of their mind know what they need from that race. I would advise them to stick to their plan and trust their minds and their systems, like what the coach is telling them,” he stated.
“For me, I could have just been there as one of the fans and a past winner of Berlin to celebrate the 50 years. To just thank the fans and the organisers for the many years of support.”
In Kipchoge’s absence, eight Kenyans are set to attempt to fill up the massive shoes left by the marathon legend.
