Kenyan long-distance sensation Benard Biwott is preparing for one of the biggest moments of his young career as he gets set to compete in the Cape Town Marathon in South Africa, a race that will also feature his role model and marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge.
The 23-year-old heads into the race carrying an impressive unbeaten record in marathon running, having won both marathons he has participated in since making the switch to the distance.
Biwott announced himself on the global stage with a stunning victory at the Frankfurt Marathon in October 2024, clocking 2:05:54 on his debut. He later improved his personal best to 2:05:25 after another commanding performance at the Paris Marathon on April 13, 2025.
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Biwott eyes Cape Town marathon glory
Now, with the Cape Town Marathon finally here, the young Kenyan believes he is ready to take another major step in his career as he targets victory in South Africa.
Speaking exclusively to SportPesa News ahead of the race, Biwott revealed that his focus is firmly on crossing the finish line first rather than chasing a faster personal best.
“In this race I’ll be trying to upgrade it to major marathon and I want to win,” said Biwott.
Despite already building a strong reputation in marathon circles, the soft-spoken athlete insists his mentality remains simple whenever he steps onto the road.
“I won’t be targeting anything much like bettering my personal best, but I’m just targeting a win,” he added.
Biwott also opened up on what inspired him to venture into marathon racing at such a young age. Unlike many athletes who gradually transition from track events later in their careers, the Kenyan says he always believed long-distance running was his path.
“For me to decide to take part in marathon, I felt I’m talented in long distance from a young age and I trained on the road till I reached this point,” he explained.
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One of the biggest highlights of the upcoming race for Biwott will undoubtedly be sharing the course with two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, a runner he has admired for years. While the two have trained together before, this will be the first time Biwott competes directly against the marathon icon.
“My role model has been Eliud Kipchoge,” said Biwott.
“It is my first time running against him, but I have trained with him. We haven’t shared a lot on him being my role model though.”
The youngster admitted that lining up alongside one of the greatest marathon runners in history is a special feeling and another source of motivation heading into the race.
“It feels great racing with him,” he said.
Biwott remains calm and mentally prepared ahead of the highly anticipated showdown in Cape Town. He also acknowledged the support he expects from his family and fans back home in Kenya.
“I know most will be watching to see me race. I’m okay mentally and ready for the race,” he stated confidently.
The Cape Town Marathon has attracted global attention this year, with Kipchoge headlining the elite field as he takes part in a marathon on African soil for the first time. For Biwott, however, the race presents an opportunity to prove that Kenya’s next marathon star is ready for the big stage.