Kipchoge — A Running Legend of All Time Reading Answers

Feb 10, 2025

Kipchoge — A Running Legend of All Time is a generic topic for IELTS Reading answers. Kipchoge — A Running Legend of All Time Reading Answers consists of 13 IELTS questions. For the given set of questions (Questions No. 1-7), choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of options below. And, on the remaining questions (Questions No. 8-13), only give the answers in ONE WORD.

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Section 1

Kipchoge — A Running Legend of All Time Reading Answers

A. Eliud Kipchoge, born on November 5, 1984, in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, is a globally renowned long-distance runner. The youngest of four children, he was raised by a single working mother who was absent due to her job. Kipchoge marked his childhood with a sense of resilience and determination. Completing his education at Kaptel Secondary School in 1999, he emerged from a small Kenyan village to become an iconic figure in the world of marathon running, celebrated for his unparalleled achievements and dedication to the sport.

B. During his school days, Eliud Kipchoge's passion for running was not yet a serious pursuit or profession. Nevertheless, his dedication was evident in his daily three-kilometer run to school, showcasing his latent athletic potential. In the late 1990s, he continued to run, inspired by Patrick Sang, an Olympic silver medalist in the steeplechase, who would later mentor Kipchoge's running career. In a recent interview, Sang remembered a young athlete frequently seeking his guidance for a training program, every two weeks, lasting for months. The fruition of Kipchoge's commitment became evident with his participation in a regional race in 1999 and achieved victory.

C. Kipchoge's athletic journey took a transforming turn at Nandi's Kapsisiywa Secondary School, where he skillfully balanced academic demands with a burgeoning passion for 5,000-meter running. Actively participating in 5,000-meter regional and national competitions, Kipchoge swiftly gained the first recognition for his exceptional running abilities, laying the foundation for a career that would redefine the possibilities of long-distance running on a global scale. His remarkable pinnacle was a world championship in 2003, where, at just 18 years old, he out-sprinted the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5,000 meters at Stade de France outside of Paris, a monumental achievement against a world-record holder at the height of his powers.

D. Nevertheless, Eliud Kipchoge's unexpected setback at the Kenya Olympic trials in 2012, finishing seventh in the 5,000 meters, marked a pivotal moment in his journey. The disappointment at the Olympic team's failure fueled Kipchoge's determination to make a decisive shift from 5,000-meter track events to specifically focus on the full marathon of 42 kilometers. This transition proved to be a strategic move with his debut at the Hamburg Marathon in the spring of 2013, where he crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 30 seconds. This not only showcased his adaptability but also laid the groundwork for Kipchoge's subsequent dominance in the marathon, heralding the extraordinary successes that would characterize his illustrious career.

E. In 2013, Eliud Kipchoge secured second place in the Berlin Marathon, trailing Wilson Kipsang, who set a world record to surpass Kipchoge in the final miles. Since that race, Kipchoge has maintained an undefeated streak, winning all eight marathons he has entered, solidifying his status as one of history's greatest marathon runners. During the Berlin Marathon in 2017, to improve his time, Nike organized a race outside Milan where, despite completing the course in 2 hours and 25 seconds, it fell short of an official record. Two years later, in Vienna, Kipchoge achieved a sub-two-hour marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds, yet the feat wasn't officially recognized due to rule deviations such as pacing by a car and a coordinated team of elite runners. Despite these challenges, Eliud Kipchoge remains undeniably one of history's greatest marathoners.

F. Kipchoge's success is a source of national pride in Kenya, elevating the country's standing in long-distance running. His journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a beacon of hope for young athletes, emphasizing that talent, hard work, and perseverance lead to extraordinary success. The eight-time major marathon winner, now focused on legacy, aims to address education and environmental concerns globally. Passionate about climate change, Kipchoge adopted 50 hectares of forest land near his training base and aspires to extend this initiative to all 47 counties in Kenya. Furthermore, he aims to enhance existing programs, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between running talent and education, driven by his modest educational background that propelled him to significant achievement.

G. Since taking the sport seriously, Kipchoge has recorded every workout in one of his 15 notebooks, each representing a year on the world stage. Despite the thousands of logged miles and consistent discipline, he maintains a humble personal approach. Rarely exceeding 80 percent — 90 percent at most — effort in training, his disciplined strategy is credited for his remarkable performance in marathons, and is one of the few marathoners who can race with a nearly identical personal best. He believes that if it translates into a world record, it's a welcome bonus. Kipchoge's philosophical outlook emphasizes discipline, stating, “The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second-best time is now.”

Section 2 Solutions and Explanations

Questions 1-7

Reading passage 1 has seven paragraphs, A-G. Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below. Write the correct number, i-x.

LIST OF HEADINGS

i. Challenges to pursue breaking records

ii. First achievements in athletic career

iii. Lifestyle and training philosophy

iv. From Humble Beginnings to Marathon Glory

v. Turning defeat into triumph

vi. Starting events for running

vii. An ever-legendary figure

viii. Contribution across many aspects

ix. The journey to find the first mentor

x. An unexpected Olympic failure

1.Paragraph A

Answer: iv (From Humble Beginnings to Marathon Glory)

Supporting statement: “.......Completing his education at Kaptel Secondary School in 1999, he emerged from a small Kenyan village to become an iconic figure in the world of marathon running, celebrated for his unparalleled achievements and dedication to the sport.........”

Keywords: Marathon, Education, Kenyan, Village

Keyword Location: para A, Line 4-7

Explanation: This paragraph highlights Kipchoge's journey from a simple childhood in a small village in Kenya to becoming a globally recognized marathon icon, showing his resilience and determination.

2.Paragraph B

Answer: ix (The journey to find the first mentor)

Supporting statement: “.......In the late 1990s, he continued to run, inspired by Patrick Sang, an Olympic silver medalist in the steeplechase, who would later mentor Kipchoge's running career. .........”

Keywords: Mentor, Olympic, Silver, Steeplechase

Keyword Location: para B, Line 3-5

Explanation: Paragraph B explains how Kipchoge's early passion for running was shaped by the advice of Patrick Song, emphasizing the guidance he sought during his formative years.

3.Paragraph C

Answer: ii (First achievements in athletic career)

Supporting statement: “.......Actively participating in 5,000-meter regional and national competitions, Kipchoge swiftly gained the first recognition for his exceptional running abilities, laying the foundation for a career that would redefine the possibilities of long-distance running on a global scale..........”

Keywords: Competitions, Kipchoge, Career, Global

Keyword Location: para C, Line 3-6

Explanation: Paragraph C highlights Kipchoge's early successes in athletics, particularly his early recognition in 5,000-meter competitions and his notable victory at the 2003 World Championships at the age of only 18.

4.Paragraph D

Answer: v (Turning defeat into triumph)

Supporting statement: “.......The disappointment at the Olympic team's failure fueled Kipchoge's determination to make a decisive shift from 5,000-meter track events to specifically focus on the full marathon of 42 kilometers...........”

Keywords: Failure, Olympic, Decisive, Marathon

Keyword Location: para D, Line 3-5

Explanation: Paragraph D highlights Kipchoge's disappointment at finishing seventh at the 2012 Kenya Olympic Trials, and how this setback led him to focus on the marathon, which he achieved notable success with.

5.Paragraph E

Answer: i (Challenges to pursue breaking records.)

Supporting statement: “.......During the Berlin Marathon in 2017, to improve his time, Nike organized a race outside Milan where, despite completing the course in 2 hours and 25 seconds, it fell short of an official record........”

Keywords: Berlin, Marathon, Milan, Record

Keyword Location: para E, Line 5-7

Explanation: The paragraph describes Kipchoge's attempt to break the marathon record, including his attempts in Milan and Vienna despite official record barriers, highlighting his challenges in setting new records.

6.Paragraph F

Answer: viii (Contribution across many aspects.)

Supporting statement: “.......Furthermore, he aims to enhance existing programs, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between running talent and education, driven by his modest educational background that propelled him to significant achievement.........”

Keywords: Programs, Symbiotic, Talent, Modest

Keyword Location: para F, Line 8-11

Explanation: The paragraph discusses Kipchoge's efforts to address education and environmental concerns globally, particularly through his climate change initiatives and support for youth athletes.

7.Paragraph G

Answer: iii (Lifestyle and training philosophy)

Supporting statement: “.......Since taking the sport seriously, Kipchoge has recorded every workout in one of his 15 notebooks, each representing a year on the world stage.........”

Keywords: Sport, Workout, World, Stage

Keyword Location: para G, Line 1-2

Explanation: This paragraph discusses Kipchoge's disciplined approach to training and his philosophy, which focuses on recording workouts and maintaining modest effort levels.

Questions 8-13

Choose ONE WORD ONLY for each answer.

KIPCHOGE THE GREATEST RUNNER OF ALL TIME

1990s

received the training program from his ____8____.

Answer: Mentor

Keywords: Mentor, Inspired, Olympic, Medalist

Keyword Location: para B, Line 3-5

Explanation: Kipchoge received guidance from Patrick Sang, who guided him throughout his early career. This guidance helped shape his development as a professional athlete.

2003: competed against a ____9____ to gain the world championship

Answer: Record-holder

Supporting statement: “.......His remarkable pinnacle was a world championship in 2003, where, at just 18 years old, he out-sprinted the legendary Hicham El Guerrouj in the 5,000 meters at Stade de France outside of Paris, a monumental achievement against a world-record holder at the height of his powers..........”

Keywords: Mentor, Inspired, Olympic, Medalist

Keyword Location: para C, Line 6-10

Explanation: In 2003, Kipchoge won the world championship by defeating the world record holder, Hicham El Guerrouj, in the 5,000 meters.

2012: shifted from the 5,000-meter to the full marathon after experiencing a ____10____ in the Olympic trials.

Answer: Setback

Supporting statement: “.......Nevertheless, Eliud Kipchoge's unexpected setback at the Kenya Olympic trials in 2012, finishing seventh in the 5,000 meters, marked a pivotal moment in his journey...........”

Keywords: Mentor, Inspired, Olympic, Medalist

Keyword Location: para D, Line 1-3

Explanation: Kipchoge's transfer to the marathon was due to his disappointing performance at the 2012 Olympic Trials, where he finished seventh.

2013: made his ____11____ at Hamburg NE Marathon with an amazing result

Answer: Debut

Supporting statement: “.......This transition proved to be a strategic move with his debut at the Hamburg Marathon in the spring of 2013, where he crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 30 seconds...........”

Keywords: Hamburg Marathon, Transition, Debut

Keyword Location: para D, Line 5-8

Explanation: The term “debut” fits as it refers to Kipchoge's first appearance at the Hamburg Marathon in 2013, where he performed excellently, marking his entry into marathon racing.

secured a ____12_____ when winning all eight marathons.

Answer: Streak

Supporting statement: “.......Since that race, Kipchoge has maintained an undefeated streak, winning all eight marathons he has entered, solidifying his status as one of history's greatest marathon runners...........”

Keywords: Streak, Eight, Marathons, Winning

Keyword Location: para E, Line 3-5

Explanation: Kipchoge maintained an undefeated streak by winning all eight marathons since finishing second at the Berlin Marathon in 2013.

2017, 2019: tried to break the two-hour marathon barrier but could not formally receive any ____13_____.

Answer: Recognition

Supporting statement: “.......Two years later, in Vienna, Kipchoge achieved a sub-two-hour marathon in 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds, yet the feat wasn't officially recognized due to rule deviations such as pacing by a car and a coordinated team of elite runners............”

Keywords: Recognized, Marathon, Barrier, Elite

Keyword Location: para E, Line 7-10

Explanation: Kipchoge's sub-two-hour marathons in 2017 and 2019 were not officially recognized due to deviations from standard rules such as speed by car and specific runner coordination.

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