Kenyan athletes Benson Kipruto, Alexander Munyao, and Eliud Kipchoge competed in the men’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, delivering a mix of triumph and disappointment in a highly competitive race.
Benson Kipruto at the finish line during the Men’s Marathon Paris 2024 Olympics. Image Team Kenya.
Benson Kipruto secured a bronze medal with a time of 2:07:00, showcasing his resilience and skill on the challenging Paris course. Kipruto’s performance was a highlight for the Kenyan team, as he maintained a strong pace throughout the race and finished third behind Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola and Belgium’s Bashir Abdi. Tola won the gold with an Olympic record time of 2:06:26, while Abdi took silver with a time of 2:06:47.
Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic champion, faced a challenging race and was unable to complete the marathon. Kipchoge, who was aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic gold, struggled with the demanding course and dropped out after 31 kilometres. His withdrawal was a significant moment in the race, as many had high hopes for his historic attempt.
Alexander Munyao, the third Kenyan in the race, finished in twenty-first place with a time of 2:10:31. Munyao’s performance added to Kenya’s strong showing in the marathon, demonstrating the depth of talent in the team.
The marathon, held on the streets of Paris, was marked by its challenging course and competitive field. The race featured top athletes from around the world, including Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele and the USA’s Galen Rupp. The conditions were tough, with a hilly course and warm weather adding to the difficulty.
Kipruto’s bronze medal was a proud moment for Kenya, continuing the country’s strong tradition in marathon running. “I am very happy with my performance today. It was a tough race, but I gave it my all and I am proud to bring home a medal,” Kipruto said after the race.
Kipchoge’s setback was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of marathon running. Despite his disappointment, Kipchoge remains one of the greatest marathon runners of all time, with a legacy that includes two Olympic gold medals and numerous world records. “It was not my day today, but I will come back stronger. I am grateful for the support from everyone,” Kipchoge stated.
Munyao’s twenty-first place finish was a strong performance in a field of elite runners. His consistent pace and determination were evident throughout the race, and he expressed optimism about his future in the sport. “I am pleased with my performance, and I look forward to continuing to improve and compete at the highest level,” Munyao said.
In conclusion, the men’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics was a showcase of endurance, strategy, and determination. Benson Kipruto’s bronze medal, Eliud Kipchoge’s valiant effort, and Alexander Munyao’s strong finish highlighted the spirit of Kenyan athletics. As the athletes look ahead to future competitions, their performances in Paris will inspire the next generation of marathon runners.