JOIN USAlex Oloitiptip Korio’s ability to change pace with ease stood out as he triumphed in the TCS World 10K on Sunday.
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.
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.
“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.”
The pacers took turns to push Kipchoge towards achieveing the goal but the Kenyan eventually fell marginally short, timing two hours and 25 seconds.
“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.”
Does Korio think it is possible to beat the two-hour barrier?
“Yes. In future you will find someone who will go below two hours,” he said.