Isuzu launch new model in honour of Eliud Kipchoge

A Limited Special Edition “Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Isuzu D-Max” double cabin pick-up will soon roll off the Japanese auto manufacturer’s production line in honour of Kenya’s two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge.

Isuzu East Africa Managing Director Rita Kavashe Tuesday disclosed that the special limited edition of the vehicle, that will see a symbolic 159 units produced, is to celebrate Kipchoge’s achievements in the five-year partnership between the legend and the Japanese company.

Kavashe said Kipchoge will have the honour of driving out the first of the special edition vehicle bearing the plate number 001.

Kipchoge broke his own world marathon record two weeks ago in Berlin running two hours, one minute and nine seconds in the German capital.

However, the “Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Isuzu D-Max” comes from the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Austria on October 12, 2019, where Kipchoge made history as the first man in history to run a marathon in under two hours, covering the bespoke Vienna course in 1:59:41.

“We shall have 159 vehicles so those interested should order," said Kavashe as she led Isuzu East Africa staff in hosting Kipchoge at their premises in Nairobi.

‘Company has gained a lot’

Kavashe was accompanied by Isuzu East Africa Chairman Hiroshi Hisatomi who said they wanted a different and better way to celebrate Kipchoge’s success considering that the company has gained a lot since their partnership started in 2017.

Kavashe detailed Kipchoge's exploits in their partnership, noting that after inking the deal, the double Olympic champion went on to set a new world marathon record in winning the 2018 Berlin Marathon in 2:01:39 before breaking it two weeks ago at the same course for his fourth victory in the city.

He then retained his Olympic marathon title at the Tokyo Games last year and went on to win the London Marathon in 2018 and 2019, his fourth victory in the British capital before the nerve-racking INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna.

“We have benefited business-wise with our single cabin pick-up market share rising by 50 percent and double cabin by 30 percent,” said Kavashe.

Some of the proceeds from the special limited edition vehicle’s sales will go towards supporting the Eliud Kipchoge Library at Kapsisiywa in Chesumei Sub-County, Nandi County.

Kipchoge praised the Isuzu partnership as his “third leg” in running.

“Isuzu embraced me before all these achievements. They have been with me all this time in training,” said Kipchoge.

During his motivational talk to the attentive audience, Kipchoge said people need to understand themselves better and put the right systems and goals in place.

“Knowing who you are defines yourself better and in your own language. Writing what you want to do down will remind and guide you always,” said Kipchoge.

“Setting goals is a temporary measure but having the right systems help achieve them is permanent.”

Kipchoge also empathised on the need to have good habits which he said are compounds of success adding that someone's character is also essential in that someone is what he or she consumes.

“Teamwork, integrity, loving your work besides self-discipline all contributed to success," said Kipchoge, who advised that people should complain less but be good listeners and have self-belief.

Kipchoge would later team up with Kavashe, 2008 Olympic 800m champion Wilfred Bungei, Nation Media Group Managing Editor (Sports), Elias Makori and Chief Executive Officer of Rova Sports Academy, Rose Maghas for a panel discussion about investing in sports and talent development.