Exclusive: Tegla Loroupe Opens up on Her Motivation to Break World Records

This year marked the 50th edition of the Berlin Marathon. The event held on Sunday 29 September was marked with style, including celebrating some of the legends who made history on the course.

Among the legends celebrated was retired marathoner Tegla Loroupe. Her exceptional performance saw her set world records on the fast Berlin course and she was inducted into the Berlin Marathon Hall of Fame.

She was honored together with other former marathoners Patrick Makau and National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat.

Loroupe dominated distance running in the 1990s, making herself a household name in Kenyan athletics.

She made history in 1999 as the first Kenyan woman to break the marathon world record, clocking 2:20:43 at the Berlin Marathon. At the time, Loroupe was based in Detmold, Germany, with her manager, Volker Wagner.

She has an impressive résumé that includes victories at the New York City Marathon (1994, 1995), Rotterdam Marathon (1997), Rome Marathon (2000), London Marathon (2000), and Lausanne Marathon (2002).

Between April 1998 and September 2001, Loroupe held the marathon world record, initially setting a time of 2:20:47 at the Rotterdam Marathon before breaking it the following year in Berlin.

Not only did she win marathons, but she also rewrote history, proving that African women could set the bar higher.

Running to Break Prevailing Stereotypes

For Loroupe, her dedication to long-distance running was fueled by a desire to challenge the prevailing stereotypes about her homeland in West Pokot.

Loroupe, who hails from the Pokot community, passionately believed in breaking the myth that individuals from her region were solely defined by tribal conflicts and livestock theft.

The county is widely recognized for its struggles with banditry, a challenge that has persisted for years and has had devastating effects on local communities. Frequent raids and attacks lead to tragic loss of lives and livestock, disrupting livelihoods and leaving many families in poverty.

She sought to redefine the narrative surrounding the people of West Pokot, demonstrating that they possessed physical prowess and the resilience and discipline required for world-class sportsmanship.

"I saw there was something good in me, but I did not know how to tell the world. I did not want to associate with people’s beliefs that my community is only known for fighting. I was running towards many things and I succeeded,” Loroupe said.

She went on to describe that beyond breaking the norm, she was on a mission to prove to the world that African women could rise to the highest level in athletics.

By doing so, she went ahead to become the first African woman to win the New York Marathon, a feat she holds dear up to date.

“I wanted to do something for my country and the African woman, and my country and I succeeded. When I went to New York, I won and became the first African woman to break that record. I refused to run from my problems but I wanted people to understand that it is just a societal norm,” she explained.

Secrets Behind Impressive Performance

For Loroupe, being disciplined propelled her to greater heights in her career. She urged the current crop of athletes to listen and heed advice as they seek to attain the highest levels possible.

“One thing is discipline. If you know your home, you have to fight. Our athletes do not listen to advice. I used to listen to what people told me and act on it, and it took me to another level,” she concluded.