Hero's homecoming for marathon record breakers

World marathon record holder Daniel Kimetto (left) with fellow athlete Emmanuel Mutai during a procession along Harambee Avenue October 1, 2014 after they arrived from Germany. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO

The warm welcoming ceremony befitting kings enlivened the chilly morning as Berlin Marathon heroes, world record holder Dennis Kimetto and Emmanuel Mutai made a triumphant return home.

A red carpet and stretched Chrysler limousines with customised plates engraved KIMETTO 2:02:57 were on Wednesday morning rolled out at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for the athletes.

Kalenjin traditional sour milk Mursik was sipped and champagne bottles corked as the athletes’ families, friends and officials from Athletics Kenya and the Professional Athletics Association of Kenya (PAAK) tossed to welcome them amidst songs and dances at the airport and Riadha House.

From the airport, the athletes made their way to a Nairobi West hotel, where they refreshed after an overnight flight from Europe, before holding a session with both local and international media at Riadha House.

CHAUFFEURED

It’s from there that PAAK officials, led by among others Jacob Yator and Julius Ndegwa, took charge as the athletes were chauffeured around the streets of Nairobi where they acknowledged greetings from Kenyans in a procession that was only a reserve for Kenya Sevens rugby team.

They later made a stopover at the Nation Centre for an exclusive interview with Nation Television.

Inspired by two course records at 2013 Tokyo (2:06:50) and 2013 Chicago (2:03:65), Kimetto last Sunday became the first man in history to break the 2:02 barrier when he won the Berlin Marathon in 2:02:57.

World marathon record holder Dennis Kimetto (left) with fellow athlete Emmanuel Mutai on a stretched Chrysler limousine October 1, 2014. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO

The 30-year-old shattered the previous world record of 2:03:23 set by Wilson Kipsang at the same course last year by massive 26 seconds.

Mutai, who finished second also, tore into the previous world record, returning personal best 2:03:13.

Another grand reception organised by PAAK president Wilson Kipsang awaits Kimetto and Mutai on Thursday in Eldoret.

“I might have run well in Tokyo and Chicago last year but breaking the world record wasn’t in my plans. However, it’s until the 30km mark when I realised that I could break it after I looked at the clock,” said the soft spoken, Kimetto, who was welcomed by his wife Caroline Chepkorir and two-year-old son Alva Kibet Ruto.

FINISH LINE

“I started to push alongside Mutai and we were almost 45 seconds inside the world record at the 35km mark,” explained Kimetto with a grin. “I just couldn’t believe when I crossed the finish line.”

Kimetto said the victory has inspired him to focus and work extra hard in view of attempting to better his own record in the next one year.

“I did it within one year hence anything can also happen soon,” said Kimetto. “Kipsang is still strong among other Kenyan athletes who are capable but I want to be the one to do it again.”

Kirwa attributed his victory to good workmanship with his training partners, former world record holder Wilson Kipsang, Geoffrey Mutai, Franklin Chepkirui and Wilfred Kirwa.

“They encouraged and gave me tips and advice especially Kipsang,” said Kimetto. “I am so happy that Kipsang was among the first people to call and congratulate me.”

Besides Kipsang’s world record, Geoffrey Mutai was the fastest man in marathon before Kimetto’s exploits on Sunday.

Mutai could have won the 2011 Boston Marathon in a time of 2:03:02 but his time is not official recognised by the IAAF as world record owing to the sloppy course at the finishing area.

Kimetto said he tends to take a break to recover well before hitting the road again in readiness for his debut at next year’s London Marathon due in April.

He said his desire is to help Kenya reclaim the World Championship marathon title in China next year and Olympic title in 2016 in Brazil.

“I am ready for the two championships races but it will depend on Athletics Kenya and the good health God will give me,” said Kimetto.

Kimetto said that it’s now possible that any good Kenyan athlete can run two hours or below but hastened that it will require hard work and focus.

“Other factors like the weather, course and field will determine too,” explained Kimetto.

Mutai vowed that he will attempt to break Kimetto’s record next year before