Kenyan marathon world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge was confident on Friday he could overcome his recent form dip and challenge for his fifth Berlin Marathon crown. Kipchoge set a world record time of 2hr 01min 09sec in the German capital in 2022, beating his own previous mark by 30 seconds. But the two-time Olympic gold medallist's sixth place at the Boston Marathon in April, where he fell back after leading over most of the course, had some questioning whether the 38-year-old's best days are behind him. Speaking to the media in the German capital ahead of Sunday's race, Kipchoge said previous setbacks had taught him not to give up. Kipchoge said he "learned a lot" from his 2022 win, "but you know last year is last year. It was 2022 and 2023 is a different game altogether"."You're approaching it in a different way but you know when you are inside the race anything might happen. "We follow what's in our hands actually inside the race."

Asked if he was feeling any pre-race nerves, the Kenyan said: "Absolutely I'm nervous. Your nervousness shows you are ready for the task." Kipchoge's biggest rival is likely to be fellow Kenyan Amos Kipruto, who won the 2022 London Marathon. Sitting alongside Kipchoge, Kipruto said he was competing with himself rather than his countryman. "I will be competing for my personal best. The biggest target is to compete with my time," Kipruto said. "If I go beyond that, I will be happy." In the women's event, 2022 Berlin winner Tigist Assefa, 26, is the favourite. Despite coming within 90 seconds of the world mark last year, the Ethiopian said: "I'm not thinking about the world record. I want to improve."

After arriving in the German capital on Wednesday, Kipchoge wrote on Instagram "it's good to be back in Berlin, it always feels like coming home." "Only a few more days until the Berlin Marathon - I can't wait." Asked on Friday for his favourite places along the marathon track, Kipchoge joked: "I remember (the point) where it was 400 metres to go -- that's what is in my mind." Kipchoge has won 15 marathons, including four in both Berlin and London.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)