Kiprotich opens up on strategy used to win Iten Marathon and how athletics has changed his life
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 26.11.24. | 07:38
The 28-year-old revealed that his humble background could not guarantee him to advance past the primary school level
Justus Kiprotich had two disappointing outings in the year, but he savoured a perfect consolation on Sunday 24 November after coasting to victory in the third edition of the Iten International Marathon.
Kiprotich needed two hours, fourteen minutes, and four seconds to win the race ahead of the Tokyo Olympics 3,000m Steeplechase bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen and Joel Kimutai.
The 28-year-old opened the year with a 22nd-place finish in the Eldoret City Marathon held in April and would finish 12th in the Kigali International Peace Marathon in June.
The losses suffered in Eldoret and Kigali compelled Kiprotich to change tact with his coaches at the Kapkitony Camp in Elgeyo Marakwet, in a bid to make amends in Iten.
He told Mozzart Sport that reducing the mileage covered in a week and preserving energy for the race earned him his first marathon win in the country and the year.
"I would cover at least 200 kilometers weekly but reduced to 160 and rested a lot more. This enabled me to preserve energy for the race and I am glad it worked," he opened up.
Behind the tactics and pre-race preparations Kiprotich had is a more beautiful story of resilience and rising to the top against all odds.
The 2017 Barcelona Marathon bronze medalist revealed that he discovered his athletic talent while a pupil at Lolgarini Primary School in Kipkabus.
However, his humble background could not guarantee him a chance to advance his studies past the primary school level.
After coming to terms with the crashed education dreams, Kiprotich sought to make a difference in his life through athletics.
"I discovered my athletics talent while in school. I sacrificed the opportunity to continue with my education so we could afford the same for my younger brother Jonathan Kiprotich, who is also a marathoner, " he narrated.
The 2018 Monster Jam Marathon champion looks back at the decision he made with satisfaction that it paid off and his family's story has changed.
" Athletics has changed my life and that of my family, despite not furthering my studies. Today, our family can afford a decent lifestyle, and we are no longer a reference for poverty. I can only hope for more marathon wins," he added.
