Benjamin Kiplagat facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin Kiplagat
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Kiplagat in 2010
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| Born | 4 March 1989 Magoro, Uganda
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| Died | 31 December 2023 (aged 34) Eldoret, Kenya
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| Occupation | Long-distance runner |
Benjamin Kiplagat (born March 4, 1989 – died December 31, 2023) was an amazing long-distance runner from Uganda. He was especially good at the 3000 metres steeplechase, which is a challenging race where athletes run over hurdles and water jumps.
Contents
Benjamin Kiplagat's Running Journey
How Benjamin Started Running
Benjamin started running because he was inspired by another runner from his village, Boniface Kiprop. Boniface did very well in a big competition in 2004, and Benjamin wanted to try running too!
At first, Benjamin ran longer races like the 10,000 metres. But his coach suggested he try shorter distances. So, he focused on the 1500 metres and 5000 metres instead.
His First Big Races
Benjamin's first time competing for his country was in 2006. He went to the World Cross Country Championships in Japan. That same year, he also competed in the World Junior Championships. There, he set a new national junior record for Uganda in the steeplechase. He finished in 6th place, which was a great achievement!
In 2008, Benjamin continued to shine. He finished 4th in the World Cross Country Championships. He also broke the Ugandan record for the 3000 metres steeplechase twice! Later that year, he won a silver medal at the World Junior Championships. He also competed in the Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
Facing Challenges and Breaking Records
Benjamin faced some tough challenges during his career. In 2009, he got sick with malaria and typhoid. Even with these illnesses, he still managed to break the Ugandan national record again!
In 2010, he got malaria again and had a leg injury. But he didn't give up! He lowered the Ugandan record even more, running the 3000 metres steeplechase in an incredible 8 minutes and 3.81 seconds. He also finished 4th at the Commonwealth Games that year.
Benjamin continued to represent Uganda at many major events. He competed in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio Olympics. He also won a bronze medal at the African Championships in 2012.
Benjamin's Passing
Benjamin Kiplagat sadly passed away on December 31, 2023. He was found in a car near Eldoret, Kenya.
Personal Bests
- 1500 m – 3:38.86 (Nijmegen 2009)
- 3000 m – 7:46.50 (Dakar 2010)
- 5000 m – 13:22.67 (Kassel 2007)
- 10,000 m – 29:03.1 (Bugembe 2006)
- 2000 m st – 5:41.1 (Nairobi 2005)
- 3000 m st – 8:03.81 (Lausanne 2010)
