A Champion’s Journey: From Track Star to Marathon Contender

Yeman Crippa, the 28-year-old Italian distance runner, is setting his sights on international competition, with confirmed appearances at the London Marathon and the Athletics World Cup in Tokyo. Crippa, a celebrated figure in Italian athletics, is transitioning from his illustrious track career to focus on the challenges of road racing.

From Track Triumphs to Road Racing Resilience

crippa’s legacy on the track is undeniable. His achievements include a European bronze medal in 2018, and an Italian record in the 10,000 meters at the Doha World Championships in 2019 (27’10″76), breaking a thirty-year-old record held by Salvatore Antibo. He also secured a gold medal at the 2022 European Championships. Notably, Crippa holds national records in the 3000, 5000, and 10,000-metre events.

Despite his success on the track, Crippa made a decisive shift to road racing two years ago. He explains:

When people ask if I miss the track, my answer is always no. I’ve never had second thoughts.I’m proud of my choice, fully aware of the difficulties I would face.I had to change everything,from training to nutrition; I had to challenge my head.

The Rigorous Regimen of a Marathon Runner

The transition to marathon running demanded significant adjustments to Crippa’s training and diet. He elaborates:

Even on lighter days, I run a minimum of 20 km. On average, I clock around 190 km per week.I work with a nutritionist, and to sustain this mileage, I eat considerably more, focusing on carbohydrates for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have to limit sweets and pizza, but it’s a manageable sacrifice.

While Crippa has adapted well to the dietary changes, he admits to missing one particular indulgence:

The beer with friends.When we go out, they enjoy it while I stick to fruit juice. But these are feasible renunciations. I’m happy with my life; I work hard, but I’m grateful to be able to do what I love and turn my passion into a career.

Mental Fortitude and Personal Growth

Beyond the physical demands, marathon running has fostered significant mental growth for Crippa. He notes:

The marathon has improved me in everyday life.You become your own mentor, focusing on concentration, self-encouragement, and constant vigilance to avoid injuries that could derail your readiness. I’ve learned patience and how to manage stress. I believe I’ve become a better person.

Training in the Rift Valley: Embracing the Kenyan Spirit

Crippa recently completed a 38-day training camp in the Rift valley, Kenya, a renowned hub for elite distance runners. He has been training at the Running Center in Iten for the past four years, a village situated at approximately 2400 meters above sea level.

The high altitude and challenging terrain provide significant benefits. Crippa explains:

The hills make training demanding, but the body adapts, increasing endurance. Iten is a small village north of Nairobi, about seven hours by car. Everyone there runs. My coach, Massimo Pegoretti, who has been with me for 15 years, is there.Our relationship is built on solid and mutual growth. There are other coaches, trainers, and physiotherapists, and also a cook who prepares meals for everyone. There are no distractions.

Following in the Footsteps of Legends

Crippa draws inspiration from the ascetic lifestyle frequently enough showcased by Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world record holder in the marathon. Kipchoge trains in Kaptagat, approximately 50 km from Crippa’s camp.

The training facilities share a similar ethos:

The facilities are similar across all centers. There’s a guesthouse with basic rooms, each containing a bed and a Turkish bathroom with a shower. It’s all very spartan, but if the world’s strongest marathon runners live there, why shoudl I complain? It’s an experience that teaches me a lot; it’s a lesson in humility.

Marathon Milestones and Future Aspirations

crippa’s marathon journey began in 2023 in Milan (2h08:57). He then set an Italian record in Seville (2h06:06). However, the Paris Games proved challenging, with Crippa facing difficulties after the thirty-fifth kilometer (2h10:36). Now, he is preparing for the London Marathon, aiming to improve his performance and continue his ascent in the world of marathon running.

A Star-Studded Lineup

The upcoming London Marathon is poised to be a landmark event, boasting what many are calling the most competitive field in the race’s history. Among the headliners are olympic champion Tamirat Tola, Milkesa Mengesha, and Kenyan standouts Timothy Kiplagat and Sabastian Sawe, the latter known for his blistering 2:02:05 debut. All eyes are also on Jacob Kiprimo, who will be making his marathon debut after an remarkable 56:42 half-marathon run. And let’s not forget Eliud Kipchoge, a name synonymous with marathon excellence, who always has the potential to surprise.

It will be an edition never seen, the best starting list in history.

The presence of such a deep pool of talent raises the stakes considerably. As one athlete noted, achieving a personal best of 2:04 might only be enough for a sixth or seventh-place finish this year. Last year, Emile Cairess of England secured third place with a time of 2:06:46, highlighting the caliber of competition expected this time around.

The quest for Sub-Two: A Historic Pursuit

Starting from Greenwich Park and culminating in front of Buckingham Palace, the London Marathon route carries a palpable sense of history. This year, there’s a growing anticipation that the elusive two-hour barrier might finally be broken. The convergence of elite athletes and technological advancements has fueled speculation about this possibility.

Departure from the Greenwich park and arrive in front of Buckingham Palace. does such a scent of history also imagine breaking down the fateful wall of the two hours? The company appears very close.

Technological Edge: the Role of Modern Footwear

The evolution of running shoes, particularly those incorporating carbon fiber plates and advanced foam technology, has revolutionized the sport. These innovations not only enhance performance during races but also significantly reduce recovery time. Athletes can now train more intensely and recover faster, allowing for more frequent participation in marathons. Previously, a month was needed to recover from a marathon; now, it takes less than a week.

Italian Marathon Renaissance

Italy’s marathon scene is experiencing a resurgence, with athletes like Yeman Crippa, Yohanes Chiappinelli, and Iliass Aouani leading the charge. These three were recently selected to represent Italy at the Tokyo World Championships in September. Chiappinelli set a new Italian record in december with a time of 2:05:24, and Aouani recently secured a gold medal at the European Championships. This wave of success reflects a broader trend in Italian athletics, with young talents like Mattia Furlani and Larissa Iapichino making waves on the international stage.

Last Wednesday the official news: Yeman Crippa, Yohanes Chiappinelli and Iliass Aouani are the first three blues of Atletica convened for the Tokyo World Championships in september.

While rivalry exists among these athletes,mutual respect prevails,born from a shared understanding of the sacrifices required to compete at this level. The bond between athletes like Crippa and Chiappinelli, who share similar backgrounds, underscores the camaraderie within the sport.

Personal Reflections: Balancing Sport and Life

For many marathon runners, the sport is deeply intertwined with their personal lives. The commitment required frequently enough necessitates careful consideration of family and relationships. as one athlete contemplates starting a family,the desire to be a present and involved father weighs heavily,influencing decisions about training and competition schedules.