This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Kirui Seeks to Retain World Marathon Title in Doha ¶
Published on September 30, 2019
Reigning World Marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui is preparing to defend his title at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on October 6.
Despite the pressure of defending his title, Kirui exudes confidence and humility. He has been training at the Global Sports Communication camp in Keringet, Kuresoi South, Nakuru County, where he has been living in a rented one-bedroom house to support and motivate young athletes.
At the camp, Kirui easily mingles with the locals, playing hide and seek with children, listening to their songs, and taking tea with fellow athletes. He has temporarily left his posh mansion at his Seguton home and opted for a simpler lifestyle.
“Besides athletics, my other passion is farming,” Kirui says, as he feeds his pedigree cattle at his home in Nyota ward in Kuresoi South. “I want my children and all visitors to read it and pick a life message out of the writings,” he explains, referring to the hard work and dedication that has earned him success.
Kirui's humility and down-to-earth nature have earned him the respect of his fellow athletes and the locals. “He never chest thumps on his current and past glory,” says Stephen Kipkorir Kendogor, a 10,000m specialist. “He basks in greatness. Every athlete at Global Sports Communication Camp loves him,” adds Patrick Kibet Koech, a 3,000m runner.
Despite his enormous greatness, Kirui never calls attention to himself. He is a disciplined sportsman, according to his mother, Jenifer Chepkwony, who prays for his success in the upcoming World Championships. His wife, Caroline, is equally elated that her husband is in good shape and ready for the Doha race.
Kirui's athletics motto is “there is no finishing line,” and he applies this philosophy to every race, including the World Championships in Doha. He is familiar with the searing heat in Doha, having run in the 3,000m steeplechase in the 2014 Diamond League, where he finished sixth.
“I will not be aiming to break the world record in such harsh conditions. I want to retain the title,” Kirui says. He advises young athletes to respect their coaches and embrace team work if they hope to succeed.
When asked about his journey to success, Kirui recalls his first ever intentional race in the 2011 Africa Under-20 championship in Botswana, where he won the 10,000m gold medal. “This race was a turning point of my life. I have never looked back as the win opened windows of opportunities that have transformed my life,” he says.
