Entertainment

18 April 2023

• Kipchoge described the day as "tough" in a statement released Monday night, barely hours after the race, adding he pushed himself as "hard as I could."

• He was unquestionably one of the most popular attendees at the World Marathon Major.

Kenyan marathoner Eliud Kipchoge has remarked on his performance at the 2023 Boston Marathon, where he finished in sixth place.

Kipchoge described the day as "tough" in a statement released Monday night, barely hours after the race, adding he pushed himself as "hard as I could."

Evans Chebet of Kenya, the defending champion, won the race in 2:05:54. Kipchoge, the world record holder, lost steam near the halfway point.

He was unquestionably one of the most popular attendees at the World Marathon Major.

"I live for the moments where I get to challenge the limits. It’s never guaranteed, it’s never easy. Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height," he said.

"I want to congratulate my competitors and thank everyone in Boston and from home for the incredible support I am so humbled to receive. In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge. Excited for what’s ahead," Kipchoge added.

Tanzania's Gabriel Geay finished 10 seconds behind Chebet while Benson Kipruto- another Kenyan and 2021 champion, took third spot in 2:06:06.

On the other hand, Kenya's Hellen Obiri won the women's race in 2:21:38.

The cash prize of the winner for both men and women is set at $150,000 which is equivalent to Sh20 million.

For the Silver medalist, which is the second position, the holders will take up to $75,000 equating to Sh10 million.

For the Bronze, also referred to as the second runner-up, the holders will bag $40,000 which is equivalent to Sh5.2 million.

For the fourth position, the men and women will grab Sh3.3 million while the fifth will get Sh2.4 million.