Eliud Kipchoge is embracing a new chapter in his legendary career, shifting his focus from chasing records to inspiring humanity and celebrating the transformative power of running. Once the undisputed king of the marathon, Kipchoge is now using his influence to encourage people across the world to discover the joy and hope found in the sport.
The Kenyan icon has enjoyed an illustrious journey since his marathon debut in Hamburg back in 2013. Over the years, he collected 15 marathon victories, two Olympic gold medals, and set world records that cemented his place in athletics history. Most famously, he became the first human to run the marathon distance under two hours, a milestone that transcended sport.
At 40, Kipchoge acknowledges that his peak competitive years are behind him, but he has found fresh motivation in purpose. He recently competed in Sydney, where the marathon was elevated into the prestigious World Marathon Majors. Although he finished ninth in 2:06:06, his joy came not from the result but from the connection with thousands of fans lining the streets. For Kipchoge, the experience reaffirmed that the true beauty of marathons lies not in elite victories but in the shared journey of finishing.
He has become an ambassador for turning nations into “running countries,” urging people to lace up their shoes regardless of pace. Kipchoge believes that the slowest runners often discover the deepest happiness because they savor the experience and cross the finish line with unmatched pride. His mission is to redefine marathons as celebrations of humanity, not just arenas for records.
The Sydney race also highlighted the rise of a new generation. Dutch star Sifan Hassan produced a remarkable performance, winning in 2:18:22. Kipchoge praised her as the leader of the next wave of athletes, one who brings competitiveness, beauty, and inspiration to the sport.
Sydney left a lasting impression on the marathon legend. With over 35,000 participants, Kipchoge envisions the event growing to 50,000 runners in the future. He admired the unique course and the electrifying support of the crowd, promising to return to Australia even as he eyes the New York Marathon, the only major he has yet to run.
For Kipchoge, marathons are no longer about trophies but about humanity, hope, and helping others discover the life-changing joy of crossing a finish line.
