Toroitich Shatters Course Record in Thrilling Amsterdam Marathon Victory
Kenya’s Geoffrey Toroitich Kipchumba made headlines by shattering the course record at the TCS Amsterdam Marathon on Sunday, October 15, 2023. He completed the race in an impressive 2:03:30, a performance that marked only his second marathon.
Men’s Race Highlights
Toroitich’s victory at this World Athletics Platinum Label event highlights his exceptional talent. The previous record of 2:03:39 was held by Olympic champion Tamirat Tola.
The men’s race featured prominent athletes, including defending champion Tsegay Getachew and double Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei. They formed part of a strong lead pack, passing the 10km mark in 29:16.
As they approached the halfway mark, the group’s time was 1:02:14, leading many to doubt the possibility of breaking the course record. However, the competitors collectively increased their pace in the second half.
Key Race Statistics
- 30km split: 1:28:22
- Toroitich’s final time: 2:03:30
- Second place: Tsegay Getachew – 2:04:18
- Third place: Getaneh Molla – 2:04:19
As the race progressed, Cheptegei started to drop back, eventually leaving Toroitich, Getachew, Molla, and Gabriel Geay to battle for the title. With roughly three kilometers remaining, Toroitich broke away. He concluded his run in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium, setting a new standard for future races.
Women’s Race Summary
The women’s event featured Aynalem Desta of Ethiopia, who also surprised spectators with a personal best time of 2:17:37. Her performance was the third-fastest ever recorded in Amsterdam.
Desta, a former steeplechase athlete, joined a competitive lead pack early on. They clocked a 10km split of 32:41 and reached the halfway point in 1:09:10.
A notable moment occurred at the 30km mark, where the pack had reduced to four Ethiopian runners: Desta, Bertukan Welde, Mekides Shimeles, and Waganesh Mekasha. Over time, the group narrowed further, with only Desta and Welde remaining by the 40km mark.
Women’s Race Results
- 1st: Aynalem Desta (ETH) – 2:17:37
- 2nd: Bertukan Welde (ETH) – 2:17:56
- 3rd: Mekides Shimeles (ETH) – 2:19:56
- 4th: Waganesh Mekasha (ETH) – 2:20:26
- 5th: Gadise Mulu (ETH) – 2:21:04
Desta’s remarkable finish comes just 45 seconds shy of last year’s course record. Welde’s performance also set a personal best, while Shimeles rounded out a strong Ethiopian podium sweep.
The TCS Amsterdam Marathon continues to be a notable event on the athletics calendar, showcasing remarkable talent and potential for future races.
