This archive report was first published on 15 November 2019.
Published on November 15, 2019, Kenyan runner Augustine Choge is gearing up for the Valencia Marathon on December 1, seeking redemption after a false start in Chicago last year.
Choge, 32, has been recovering from a groin injury sustained during his marathon debut in Chicago and has been working towards a comeback. He believes his return to road racing will give him the momentum to clinch his first title at the distance.
"Chicago was a big disappointment, as I believed I was in shape to run the marathon in about two hours and seven minutes," Choge said, reflecting on his experience.
Choge has been part of the 42 pacesetters who pushed Olympic and world record holder Eliud Kipchoge in his successful 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria last month. He credits Kipchoge's advice to move forward and focus on the next goal, saying, "As Eliud says, 'when something doesn't go well, forget about it and aim for the next branch'".
Choge's ambition is to one day step into Kipchoge's shoes and become a great marathon runner. He hopes for good weather on the day of the Valencia Marathon and is optimistic about his chances of success.
