by Justin Lagat
Augustine Choge, RAK2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
Augustine Choge is one of the most versatile distance runners on the planet. With PBs that are world class fom 800 meters to the Half Marathon, Augustine Choge will debut over 26.2 miles at 2018 Bank of America Chicago Marathon.
Augustine Choge wants to be a good student of Eliud Kipchoge at the Chicago Marathon
If the fall marathons would be rated on the most competitive race on the men’s side, the Chicago Marathon would definitely take the win. The men’s elite field here is loaded with men who appear to be standing in line to follow on the footsteps of Eliud Kipchoge. Augustine Choge is one of them. Looking at his personal best times from the 800m through to the half marathon, it is hard to imagine how anyone will be able to beat him here next month on 7th.
I am so grateful to Choge for finding the time to briefly chat with me regarding his preparations ahead of his marathon debut in less than two weeks’ time at the Chicago Marathon.
Bedan Karoki and Augustine Choge, RAK Half Marathon 2017, photo by PhotoRun.net
The fact that Choge had been training almost daily with Eliud Kipchoge before the latter went ahead to break the world record in Berlin a few days ago gives him some confidence ahead of his race in Chicago. “Eliud is a fatherly figure, a mentor and a good friend. Getting an opportunity to train with him is a great motivation and I am trying to be a good student to him,” Choge said. Interestingly, in Kalenjin, Choge means “the son of Kipchoge.”
According to Choge, his training has been good. He feels ready and is not afraid of covering the 42km distance for his first time.
“I have had a great team that has motivated me in training. I have also had some good build up long runs,” said Choge. Some of his training mates under the now well respected coach, Patrick Sang, and who will be competing with him in Chicago as well include Abel Kirui and Geoffrey Kirui.
He acknowledges that there will be tough competition there from the other great stars including Mo Farah, Galen Rupp, Kenneth Kipkemoi, Paul Lonyangata and Bedan Karoki, among others; but they are not giving him any reasons to get worried.
“I will be there to give my best. Everyone has trained to the best of their abilities. Am not thinking of anyone but focus on myself,” he said.
There will be a lot of interesting things to watch out for at this year’s Chicago Marathon. How Augustine Choge will perform here should be high on that list.
“Chicago is a great marathon and I will be happy to do my debut there. I thank the organizers for giving me the opportunity. Chicago is a great city as well,” said Choge.
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