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Korir is also keen to follow in the world marathon record holder’s footsteps.
2008 Setubal Half Marathon champion Laban Korir has revealed that being Eliud Kipchoge’s pacesetter is not like climbing a sugar candy but noted that all the hustle is worth it.
For the pacemakers, often referred to as 'rabbits' in some parts of the world, Korir said you need passion and courage to ensure the athletes you pace achieve their targets.
“I never knew that at any point in my life, I would meet Kipchoge but I had the belief, I had the vision…I wanted to be associated with him.
To pace for somebody, you need the courage. If an athlete sets a target, as a pace setter, you need to make sure they win or else you will regret for the rest of your life. You will feel like a failure,” Korir told KTN.
He revealed that, for instance, pacing for Kipchoge is different. He termed him as a unique person who has strategic targets and makes sure he achieves them. “He has planned his program and you can’t mess it up,” Korir narrated.
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Korir is keen to follow in the World Marathon record holder’s footsteps. He is also Kipchoge’s training mate.
Korir is currently the president of the NN Running Team training camp in Kaptagat where Kipchoge sharpens his skills. The former Toronto Waterfront Marathon champion noted that having Kipchoge around him is what makes him complete. He noted that he sees Kipchoge as a star and mentor.
“He is a legend and a role model to me. Kipchoge is like ‘life’ for me. He is a unique guy,” Korir said.
However, Korir has not had it easy in his upbringing that saw him drop out of Lesos Day Secondary School in Form Two due to lack of fees. After dropping out, he started working as a waiter and that is when a friend advised him to try running.
“I used to run barefoot…after two years, I joined a group and that’s when he got the chance to get a manager in Spain,” he said.
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