Double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge has sent a message to the world after breaking a record in the 2021 Tokyo Marathon held on Sunday morning, March 6 in Tokyo, Japan.
The 37-year-old set the fastest time on Japanese soil after making it to the finish line in 2 hours 02 minutes and 40 seconds.
Kipchoge broke the previous record set by Kenya’s Wilson Kipsang who had clocked 2:03:58 in 2017.
Speaking after the triumph, the world champion pleaded with the world to unite adding that his win was dedicated to peace in the world.
"I'm really happy. I'm excited again to be in Japan, especially after winning the Olympic Games last year in Sapporo. I am so proud to win in the streets of Tokyo, where the people have running in their hearts and minds,” Kipchoge said.
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"Finally, I want to say I want this world to unite. My win today is to bring positivity in this world," he added.
Meanwhile, in the women’s race, Kenya triumphed as world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei stunned her competitors to clock 2:16:2.
She broke the previous record by Israel’s Lonah Chemtai Salpeter who clocked 2:17:45 in the 2020 Tokyo Marathon.
Kipchoge’s message to the world comes at a time Russia invaded Ukraine causing tensions.
The legendary athlete has in the past confessed that he wants to be a world peace envoy after he ends his career.
