'I'm here to win the Bogotá Half Marathon': Benson Kipruto, bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics
The organizers of the Bogotá Half Marathon, which will be held today on its 25th anniversary, have always made it their mission to bring in renowned athletes, and this time the big star will be Benson Kipruto , who last year won the bronze medal in the 42-kilometer race at the Paris Olympic Games.
Kipruto is a man of experience and has his sights set on a degree in the country's capital.
"I'm running a marathon in the fall and needed a good test in the summer, and Bogotá is the perfect race, given the date and the level of the participants. With God's help, I'm looking to win the race," he told EL TIEMPO.
Benson Kipruto Photo: AFP
The 34-year-old Kenyan long-distance runner is clear that he can't do poorly on the streets of Bogotá, as his name will be at stake.
"In addition to adding my name to the history books of these major marathons, of course, as professional athletes, winning these competitions significantly changes our lives. The important thing has been perseverance; I hope to win many more," the athlete stated.
The altitude won't be an impediment for him, as he lives and trains in conditions similar to those in Bogotá. He also achieved a time of one hour, one minute, and eight seconds in a half marathon in Mexico City , at altitude.
Bogotá Half Marathon route. Photo: Bogotá City Hall.
"With my group, I train very hard all year long to be competitive in every competition. Altitude is key, important; you have to analyze every step, but I've always faced this circumstance in the best possible way, and I hope Bogotá is no exception," said the Kanian native.
He's the most important athlete of the 42,000 participants in the race, which will start and finish at Simón Bolívar Park. Kipruto's best time for the 21-kilometer distance is one hour, zero minutes, and six seconds, a good time to consider winning today.
"With God's help, I want to win the race. It would be a great achievement to triumph in such an important competition in the Americas, and even better to beat the race record," the African said.
This event brings together thousands of people who love to compete. Photo: Bogotá Half Marathon
"I'm young, 34, and I can dream of winning more world and Olympic titles. It's almost a year since my bronze medal, and the recognition I achieved continues."
eltiempo
