The environmental challenges for the distance runners at this world gathering have been more than difficult, and runners seem to have responded well, running within themselves and then kicking the daylights out of many of the races. The marathon was no exception as reported by Watch Athletics.
BUDAPEST - Sunday, August 27: In a thrilling finish at the World Athletics Championships, Victor Kiplangat of Uganda clinched the men's marathon gold. By the 35km mark, Kiplangat was neck and neck with Ethiopia's Leul Gebresilase, both clocking in at 1:46:53. Defending champion Tamirat Tola and Stephen Kissa trailed by a mere 15 seconds.
However, Kiplangat showcased his elite athleticism, breaking away from Gebresilase with just 4km to go. He maintained the lead and sprinted across the finish line with a time of 2:08:52. But the race for the silver medal was just as intense. Manu Teferi from Isreal overtook Gebresilase in the final 400m, securing silver in 2:09:12. Gebresilase wrapped up the podium finishes, taking bronze in 2:09:19.
Victor Kiplangat's victory in the men's marathon at the World Athletics Championships marks a significant achievement for Uganda, as it's the country's second gold in this event. The first gold was secured by Stephen Kiprotich in 2013, when he outpaced his competitors in Moscow.
The conditions in Budapest during the World Athletics Championships marathon were challenging, to say the least. With temperatures inching close to a sweltering 30°C coupled with high humidity levels, athletes were tested not only by their competition but also by the environment.
Think this is bad? Wait 'til Paris next summer. Remember the line from the old song "I Love Paris"? 'I love Paris in the summer when it sizzles'.