<p>Alex Oloitiptip Korio’s ability to change pace with ease stood out as he triumphed in the TCS World 10K on Sunday.<br /><br />The Kenyan was feeding off pacemaker Stephen Kissa’s speed until the final phase. With just over two kilometres to go, the 27-year-old switched gears and raced ahead to build a healthy lead and clinch the title. <br /><br />Probably this was one of the primary reasons for Nike to pick him as one of the 32 pacers in their recent attempt to break the two-hour barrier in marathon through Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea at the Monza Formula One circuit in Italy.<br /><br />“It’s was a great experience. Though Eliud (Kipchoge) couldn’t go below the two-hour mark, it gave us a hope that it’s possible in future,” said Korio. “It was very windy that day. Probably that could be the reason why we couldn’t break the magical barrier.”<br /><br />The pacers took turns to push Kipchoge towards achieveing the goal but the Kenyan eventually fell marginally short, timing two hours and 25 seconds.<br /><br />“I did three loops of five kms each after taking a break. With 32 of us there, that was possible. My pace was around two minutes 50 seconds per kilometre. And to maintain that pace, it was necessary we took breaks.”<br />Does Korio think it is possible to beat the two-hour barrier? <br /><br />“Yes. In future you will find someone who will go below two hours,” he said.</p>
<p>Alex Oloitiptip Korio’s ability to change pace with ease stood out as he triumphed in the TCS World 10K on Sunday.<br /><br />The Kenyan was feeding off pacemaker Stephen Kissa’s speed until the final phase. With just over two kilometres to go, the 27-year-old switched gears and raced ahead to build a healthy lead and clinch the title. <br /><br />Probably this was one of the primary reasons for Nike to pick him as one of the 32 pacers in their recent attempt to break the two-hour barrier in marathon through Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea at the Monza Formula One circuit in Italy.<br /><br />“It’s was a great experience. Though Eliud (Kipchoge) couldn’t go below the two-hour mark, it gave us a hope that it’s possible in future,” said Korio. “It was very windy that day. Probably that could be the reason why we couldn’t break the magical barrier.”<br /><br />The pacers took turns to push Kipchoge towards achieveing the goal but the Kenyan eventually fell marginally short, timing two hours and 25 seconds.<br /><br />“I did three loops of five kms each after taking a break. With 32 of us there, that was possible. My pace was around two minutes 50 seconds per kilometre. And to maintain that pace, it was necessary we took breaks.”<br />Does Korio think it is possible to beat the two-hour barrier? <br /><br />“Yes. In future you will find someone who will go below two hours,” he said.</p>
