Kenyan marathon legend Edna Kiplagat is targeting a podium finish at the prestigious Cape Town Marathon as the veteran distance runner continues to defy age and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
The 46-year-old opened up to SportPesa News in an exclusive interview ahead of the race, reflecting on her long journey in athletics and how South Africa holds special memories in her decorated career.
Three decades later, the celebrated long-distance runner returns to South Africa for another major assignment, this time at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, a race that is pushing to become one of the Abbott World Marathon Majors.
“The first time I raced here[in South Africa] was in 1996 during the World Junior Cross Country Championships. I was just 16 years old, coming straight from primary school, and it was my first race outside Kenya,” said Kiplagat.
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Edna Kiplagat eyes Cape Town marathon podium
Kiplagat expressed her delight at being invited to compete in the event and admitted that returning to South Africa after such a long time feels emotional and rewarding.
“I am so happy and grateful for the invitation to come and participate in the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, which is aiming to become a World Marathon Major. Being part of it is something I will always be proud of, especially if I make it to the podium,” she stated.
“It has been a long time since I came here back in 1996 for the World Juniors. I never expected that I would come back again, but I am very happy. This is a great opportunity for me to compete in such a big race. Being part of a major marathon is an incredible achievement and I am truly excited about it.”
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Despite being 46, Kiplagat continues to compete at the highest level, a clear testament to her consistency over the years. The two-time world marathon champion believes hard work, proper preparation and having the right support system have been key to her longevity in the sport.
“When you do things the right way, success will always come. I have been very consistent in my training and I also have a very supportive team around me. My sponsor Puma, my manager, and my coach Gilbert Koech, who has worked with me for the last two decades, have all played a huge role in my career,” she explained.
“I have continued to work hard, stay disciplined, and trust the process. I am proud of everything we have achieved together and I still feel there is more to come.
This is the best time for me to inspire the young generation, especially young girls and upcoming athletes who dream of achieving even more than I have achieved. I feel honored to continue being part of the sport, not just as a successful athlete, but also as someone who can motivate others.”
Kiplagat remains one of Kenya’s most accomplished marathoners. She won gold at the World Championships marathon in both 2011 and 2013 and made history in 2021 by becoming the oldest winner of a World Marathon Major after conquering the Boston Marathon at the age of 41.
Her personal best time of 2:19:50 was set during the London Marathon, while she also claimed victory at the 2017 Boston Marathon with an impressive time of 2:21:52 at the age of 37.
As she lines up in Cape Town once again, Kiplagat will not only be chasing another podium finish but also proving that determination, consistency and passion can keep an athlete competing among the elite for decades.
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