Two consecutive World Championship marathon titles established Abel Kirui as a force in international athletics. The Kenyan runner claimed gold in 2009 with a time of 2:06:54 and successfully defended his position in 2011, finishing with a winning margin of two minutes and 28 seconds, the largest gap ever recorded in the event history.
Early Career and Recruitment
Kirui developed his running capability during his years at Samitui Primary School. Following high school, he sought employment through a recruitment race hosted by the Administration Police. Securing victory in this competition allowed him to join the organization, which provided the structure necessary for him to commence serious professional training.
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In 2007, Kirui finished second at the Berlin Marathon, recording a time of 2:06:51 behind world record holder Haile Gebrselassie. This performance established him as a top-tier athlete. By 2008, he had secured a win at the Vienna City Marathon with a course record of 2:07:38. His progression continued in 2009 at the Rotterdam Marathon, where his third-place finish earned him a spot among the fastest marathoners of the era.
Championship Training and Performance
Following a period of inconsistent results in 2010 and 2011, Kirui moved from Kapsabet to Iten to train under Italian coach Renato Canova. This shift proved effective for his preparations for the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, where he successfully defended his title. Additionally, he earned a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic marathon, finishing 26 seconds behind winner Stephen Kiprotich.
Later Professional Results
Kirui maintained a competitive pace throughout the following decade. He claimed victory at the 2016 Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:11:23, narrowly defeating Dickson Chumba. In 2017, he finished as the runner-up at the same event. He continued to compete in London, placing fourth in both the 2017 and 2018 iterations of the marathon.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, Bomet, Kenya
- World Championship Marathon Titles: 2009, 2011
- 2012 Olympic Result: Silver medal
- 2016 Chicago Marathon Winning Time: 2:11:23
- Coach: Renato Canova
- Spouse: Stella Jemeli
Questions readers ask
Which major marathons has Abel Kirui won?
Kirui has won the 2008 Vienna City Marathon, the 2009 and 2011 World Championship marathons, and the 2016 Chicago Marathon.
How did Abel Kirui begin his professional athletics career?
He started his professional trajectory after winning a recruitment race held by the Administration Police, which led to his formal employment and subsequent serious athletic training.
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