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Despite the strong headwinds throughout the race, Kiplangat maintained a steady pace and showed incredible endurance.
Victor Kiplangat put on an impressive performance at the 2023 Osaka Marathon in Japan on Sunday, braving challenging weather to finish in second place behind Ethiopian Hailemaryam Kiros.
Kiplangat achieved his goal of securing a podium position, crossing the finish line in a time of two hours, six minutes and three seconds.
Despite the strong headwinds throughout the race, Kiplangat maintained a steady pace and showed incredible endurance.
Speaking to Daily Monitor via phone after the race, he commented on the conditions: "The race was good but there was too much wind, from the beginning."
However, Kiplangat remained optimistic, acknowledging the significance of his achievement: "I have to be happy because this is the first race for 2023 for me and I have started my season very well."
Kiplangat's coach, Addy Ruiter, was also pleased with the runner's performance, describing it as a "super race" and stating that Kiplangat "did everything well, just not strong enough in the final sprint."
The pace of the race was slower than expected due to the wind, with the Japanese runners requesting a three-minute per-kilometre pace.
This did not suit Kiplangat's preferences, and as a result, he led the pack through the 32 km-36 km mark, breaking down the field quickly.
By the 39km mark, only Kiros had managed to keep up with Kiplangat, and the Ethiopian only passed him with 200m to go.
Despite the loss, Kiplangat remained gracious and determined, congratulating Kiros on his victory.
The race was a warm-up for Kiplangat's preparations for the Budapest World Championships in August, where he will be looking to defend his Commonwealth marathon title.
He will now take a short break before resuming training for the upcoming competition.
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