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Kenya's Alfred Kipchirchir aims for a sub-2:05 debut at the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon, inspired by training partner Ngetich.
Set to make his marathon debut on October 15, Kenya’s Alfred Kipchirchir has high expectations for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon.
The 29-year-old has been part of a formidable training group, drawing inspiration from training partner Vincent Ngetich’s recent stellar performance at the Berlin Marathon where he finished second with a time of 2:03:13.
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“I am looking forward to running 2:05 or 2:04 in Toronto,” reveals Kipchirchir. “My training is going well. We run between 180 and 210km in a week," Kipchirchir said in an interview with My Best Runs.
Training under the guidance of Coach Peter Bii, Kipchirchir has been preparing meticulously, running step for step with Ngetich until the last two weeks.
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Ngetich had to reduce his training intensity to be race-ready for Berlin, leaving Kipchirchir focusing on his own upcoming challenge in Toronto.
Hailing from the village of Kapkenu, approximately 80 kilometers from the famous runners’ town of Iten, Kipchirchir grew up admiring the achievements of local heroes like Geoffrey Kamworor, a multiple-time world champion in half marathon and cross country events.
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However, it was a family member who was pivotal in initiating his running journey.
“My brother introduced me to running. He works as the manager of the High Altitude Training Centre run by Lorna Kiplagat in Iten,” Kipchirchir shares.
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Embarking on his weekly journey every Monday morning, Kipchirchir leaves his village for the group’s training camp, returning home on Saturdays.
Without a car of his own, he often relies on ‘matatu’, a public minibus, or sometimes gets a drive from his brother.
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Life at the training camp is marked by a strong sense of camaraderie, shared commitment, and sacrifices - elements Kipchirchir believes contribute significantly to building mental fortitude.
This strength of mind is something he hopes to translate into a remarkable performance in Toronto. Despite the rigorous training schedule, there's also time for relaxation and enjoyment.
A self-confessed Manchester United fan, Kipchirchir also indulges in listening to music, particularly enjoying songs from the Kalenjin tribe.
Financial earnings from his running career have enabled Kipchirchir to provide for his family - his wife Rhoda Jepkemboi Mukche and 14-month-old daughter Praise Jepkorir.
“I have already bought a small farm,” he notes proudly. “It’s two acres. I grow maize and I have goats. My family members look after the farm when I am away at camp.”
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As the date approaches, Kipchirchir is evidently optimistic and is looking forward to the race. The current course record for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon stands at 2:05:00, set by Philemon Rono in 2019.
Kipchirchir’s target time of sub-2:05 is ambitious but not implausible given his impressive training regimen and the inspiring performances of his peers.
Transitioning to a marathon is no small feat, and many accomplished distance runners have stumbled in this endeavor. However, with his dedicated preparation and a positive mindset, Alfred Kipchirchir is poised for a memorable debut on the Toronto waterfront.
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