As dawn breaks over the rolling hills of Nandi County, Benson Kipruto, with a measured stride and focused demeanor, sets out on his training run.
The serene landscape is a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Boston, Chicago, and Tokyo — cities where Kipruto has not only competed but dominated some of the world’s most prestigious marathons.
Yet, despite his international victories, there remains a crowning achievement that has eluded him: Olympic glory.
At 33, Kipruto has amassed an impressive resume, winning the Boston Marathon in 2021, the Chicago Marathon in 2022, and shattering the course record at the Tokyo Marathon earlier this year with a stunning time of 2:02:16.
These victories have solidified his position on Kenya’s provisional marathon squad for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For Kipruto, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of his career, a stage where he hopes to not only compete but leave a lasting imprint on the sport.
The significance of donning the Kenyan colors at the Olympics is not lost on Kipruto, who sees it as the ultimate honor.
“Competing in the Olympics means a lot. I will do my best to represent my country. It is a privilege to represent my country for the first time. I love my country,” Kipruto said in an intimate reveal with World Athletics Inside Track.
His journey to Olympic qualification has been anything but solitary. Kipruto attributes much of his success to the sense of community and mutual support prevalent among athletes in his home county.
“Here, we are equal because we stay humble. Everyone stays humble here. We all train together, we all eat together, so we are like a family,” he shared. This camaraderie is a source of daily motivation and has fostered a nurturing environment that propels athletes like Kipruto to excel.
Inspiration also comes in the form of marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, whom Kipruto aspires to emulate.
“I’m inspired by the likes of Eliud Kipchoge. When he might retire – I hope not soon – I would like to follow his footsteps,” he noted. Kipruto’s admiration for Kipchoge is a testament to the impact of role models in sports, particularly in a country renowned for its distance runners.
Kipruto’s preparation for Paris 2024 is meticulous and disciplined. His training regimen is rigorous, matched only by his mental fortitude, which has been tested in the diverse climates and competitive fields of international marathons.
His victories are a product of relentless perseverance and strategic racing, qualities he plans to carry into the Olympics.
Despite the pressures that come with his achievements, Kipruto remains grounded.
His performance in Tokyo, where he not only won but broke the course record, is a clear indication of his potential to challenge the best at the Olympic level. However, he is mindful of the unpredictable nature of marathons.
“Whenever I am in a race or whenever I am training, I get motivated by other athletes, even the young ones. We train together and we encourage each other,” he said, emphasizing the collective effort that goes into individual success.
As Paris 2024 approaches, the anticipation within the Kenyan camp is palpable. With a strong team that includes fellow top performers Munyao Alexander, Timothy Kiplagat, and Vincent Ngetich, Kenya’s prospects look formidable.
For Kipruto, the Paris Olympics is more than just another race; it is an opportunity to secure his legacy among the greats of marathon running.
“Competing in the Olympics will mean a lot. If I qualify, I will do my best to represent my country. I would be privileged to represent my country for the first time. I love my country,” Benson Kipruto
The road to Paris is long, and for Benson Kipruto, it winds through the heart of Kenya, where each step is a stride toward fulfilling an Olympic dream.
The world will be watching as he seeks to transform his consistent success on the global stage into Olympic triumph, aiming to bring home not just a medal, but a story of perseverance and pride that resonates far beyond the finish line.
