NAIROBI, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Former world marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto led other Kenyans in congratulating Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge after he shuttered his mark by one minute and 18 seconds.
"I respect Kipchoge, he has done well and I believe it will take a lot more for anyone to challenge that record," Kimetto told Xinhua on Sunday in Eldoret.
After three failed attempts, Kipchoge proved to have super human abilities as he turned the Berlin Marathon into an exhibition race from gun to tape.
Kipchoge, 33, was in optimal condition, with no wind, rain or heat problems in sight, which had hindered his past attempts in Berlin and London.
Former world record holder Paul Tergat said that Kipchoge's record will last.
"That time is too fast. I had no breath when I run 2:04 back in 2003. For him to run two hours and one minute, it will take something special to lower that mark. It will last for very long time," he said.
In Monza in 2017 he clocked 2:00.25, the first man to run that fast. However, the race organizers did not follow strict rules set by the IAAF.
However, there was no denying Kipchoge in Berlin as he raced to a new world mark. With his last pacemaker departing at 25km, Kipchoge was all alone against the clock.
"It was not according to plan. But after the last pace maker dropped off at 25km, I knew it was down to me and I had to push it. I knew I was in top form, but I had no knowledge that I would run 2:01.39. Now I want to run another race and clock two hours and two minutes so that it may be full," said Kipchoge in telephone interview.
Kenya's Amos Kipruto was second, clocking 2:06.24, while former champion Wilson Kipsang came in third clocking 2:06.48.
"I am really grateful and happy to smash the world record. You can't miss the third time! Thank you to everybody. My only word is thank you," said Kipchoge.
The women's race was won by Gladys Cherono, who defended the crown she won in 2017, clocking 2:18:11.
It was a hat trick for Cherono, who first won in 2015, missed 2016 with a hamstring injury and has come back to win back to back titles.
"I think I will be back next year," said Cherono. "To win in course record was great for me. I hope to go back to Berlin and improve on my time."
Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir called Kipchoge a monster athlete.
"If you have ever run a marathon then you know how hard it is to run under 2:02.00. To be able to run fast marathon back to back, Kipchoge is a monster. Congrats to the champion. I will live to remember this day. It will take a generation to see another run like that," said Korir.
