Eliud Kipchoge took to the streets of Berlin once again, with one thing on his mind. To break his own record. But have you ever wondered how Elite athletes like Kipchoge get and takes his water during a race? Well, meet Claus Henning, the only man Eliud Kipchoge will take water from during a race.
Athletes like Eliud Kipchoge has been training together with a man who hands his water as he runs. His bottle man nicknamed as Bottle Claus, a German volunteer, shows just how elite athletes plan their hydration during the race.
Claus Henning works as a project manager at a Berlin Construction company and is a marathoner. Since 1998 he has volunteered In the Berlin marathon and the experience has provided him the opportunity to be part of senior member of a 30 person volunteer crew, who coordinate the assistance of the elite marathon runners in obtaining their race fluids.
On this September day in Berlin, Claus Henning was given the task of refueling drinks to Eliud Kipchoge throughout the race.
As the race started the plan would be for Kipchoge to receive a refueling drink from Claus from 13 different locations on the course. The challenge was, Kipchoge would be travelling at a speed of 12.43 miles per hour over the duration of the race. Claus must pedal his bike and beat Kipchoge to the next station. Wait for Kipchoge, hand him the bottle, the hop back on his bike and beat Kipchoge to the next station.
Nevertheless, Clause must weave around camera crews , and support vehicles on the course.
At some stations, Claus would arrive, Find Kipchoge’s bottle and have around 30 seconds to spare before Kipchoge would arrive. It was a mad dash for both as they pursued the marathon world record.