Eliud Kipchoge’s “drinks guy” is back for the Berlin Marathon

The man who went viral for celebrating after successfully handing Eliud Kipchoge a water bottle during his 2018 world-record-setting performance in Berlin is back to help him again on Sunday at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. 

Eliud Kipchoge arrives in Berlin for the Marathon on Sunday #BerlinMarathon pic.twitter.com/0e8tK66XPv

— Justin Lagat?? (@LagatJustin) September 20, 2022

“Drinks Guy” Claus-Henning Schulke volunteered as Kipchoge’s bottle passer in 2018, and the Internet loved his passionate enthusiasm for the small role he played in the outcome of Kipchoge’s world record. 

When Kipchoge arrived at Berlin Brandenburg Airport on Tuesday, Schulke surprised his dear friend and they discussed their bottle-passing strategy for Sunday. Schulke’s technique is to wear a Kipchoge nameplate on his forearm, letting him know that he has his bottle, so Kipchoge does not have to break stride or lose focus.

Wish everyone had the same passion as Drinks Guy pic.twitter.com/dtTrIGgPha

— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) September 16, 2018

Schulke is a 56-year-old amateur triathlete who works as a project manager. He’s been volunteering at the Berlin Marathon since 1998, and is now the senior member of the 30-person crew in charge of getting the elite athletes their drinks during the race.

Kipchoge is the outright favourite in Sunday’s marathon as he chases his elusive world record of 2:01:39. “Berlin is the fastest course,” he said in a video posted on his Instagram. “It’s where a human being can showcase their potential to push the limits.”

The 2022 Berlin Marathon kicks off on Sunday at 3:15 a.m. E.T. (9:15 a.m. local time). Kipchoge will go up against 2015 world champion Ghirmay Ghebreslassie and 2021 Berlin Marathon champion Guye Adola to earn his fourth Berlin Marathon title in seven years.