The 2022 BMW Berlin Marathon organisers have announced that this year's medals will have an image of double Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge’s face in hounour of his passion and dedication for the sport.
In a statement on Thursday, September 8, the organisers stated that the medal is a reward for the dedication that runners have shown over the years.
“We proudly present: the medal of the 48th BMW Berlin Marathon. This is the reward for the years of dedication and passion for running, for every hard training session and every difficulty overcome. We look forward to seeing each of you on 9/25,” read a statement from the BMW Berlin Marathon.
Also Read: 2 Kenyans Pocket KSH7.2 Million on the Opening Day of Diamond League Final
According to the Berlin Marathon website, the medals are different every year to honour outstanding figures in the rich history of road race running.
"Traditionally, each finisher in the real, Berlin-Marathon is decorated with a medal. Over the years, these medals have commemorated remarkable figures and events from the history of marathon running.
"Having depicted ancient Greek runners in the first years, since 1978 the medals have been dedicated to former Olympic marathon champions,” stated the organisers.
This is the third time that Eliud's image appears on the Berlin Marathon medal. The first time the organizers used his image was six years ago after he won the 2016 Olympic Games marathon held in Rio de Jenairo, Brazil.
In 2021, his image was put on the medal to honour him for breaking the world record in 2018.
It is at the Berlin Marathon where Kipchoge set the current world record. He produced one of the most iconic performances in the history of marathon running to break the world record.
The Kaptagat-based runner ran a tactical race to cross the finishing line in 2:01.39 in the process, slashing the previous mark of 2:02.57 set by his compatriot Dennis Kipruto Kimetto in 2014 by more than one minute.
Ethiopians dominated last year's edition with Guye Idemo Adola clocking 2:05.45 to bag the men's title while Gotytom Gebreslase crossed the finishing line in 2:20.09 to win the women's race.
Kipchoge is the favourite to win the race this year. However it will not be easy due to the presence of some top athletes including the defending champion Adola.
The prize money for winning the Berlin Marathon is approximately Ksh4.8 million (40,000 Euros).
Other East African athletes who have had their images embedded on the Berlin Marathon medal include Kenya's Tegla Loroupe (2000) and the Ethiopian duo of Abebe Bikila (1984) and Mamo Wolde (1989).
Kipchoge will be seeking to win the Berlin Marathon for the fourth time having clinched the prestigious title in 2015, 2017 and 2018. In 2015 and 2017 he crossed the finishing line in 2:04.00 and 2:03.32 respectively.
Apart from Kipchoge, the other Kenyan athletes who will take part in this year's edition include Mark Korir, Abel Kipchumba, Alex Kibet, Bethwell Yegon, and Zablon Chumba.
Nancy Jelagat, Rosemary Wanjiru, Vibian Chepkirui and Maurine Chepkemoi will square it out with the likes of Ethiopia's Gutemi Imana and the race favourite Keira D'Amoto of the United States in the Women's category.
The BMW Berlin Marathon is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 25.
Also Read: Athletes Who Currently Hold More Than 2 World Records