NAIROBI, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge on Wednesday said he was ready to defend the Berlin Marathon title on Sep 16 in the German capital city.
Kipchoge said he has already finished his training and was looking forward to the event. "My body is feeling good. People should expect to see good results in the next one and a half weeks," Kipchoge said during a sponsorship event held by motor vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu East Africa, in Nairobi.
The car maker renewed a partnership deal with the runner for two years amounting to 200,000 U.S. dollars that will also see the 34-year old star continue to use the Isuzu D-Max for training and personal use.
Isuzu has also promised to reward Kipchoge with a D-Max Luxury double cabin worth 59,000 U.S. dollars if he breaks the world record during the duration of the contract. "In every sport, it is necessary to walk with a partner. In this instance, it is a joy for me to walk with Isuzu who have given me a third leg," Kipchoge remarked.
He is not concerned about other runners adding pressure to his race. "Pressure is normal whenever one is competing. However, I will go into this race knowing that I am the best therefore it is the other runners who will be under pressure, " Kipchoge said.
Rita Kavashe, Isuzu East Africa Managing Director, said the company settled on Kipchoge because of his discipline, focus and desire to win.
