Eliud Kipchoge says there’s more to come after London Marathon
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Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and other athletes compete in the men's marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
PHOTO: AFP
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LONDON – Eliud Kipchoge has dismissed speculation that the upcoming London Marathon will be his farewell race after confirming on Jan 17 that he plans to run in the English capital at the age of 40.
The Kenyan, arguably the greatest men’s marathon runner of all time, is a two-time Olympic champion over the distance and has 11 wins in elite World Marathon Majors events, including a record four London titles.
Kipchoge, however, failed to finish a marathon for the first time at the Paris 2024 Olympics, sparking speculation that his career may be nearing an end.
Asked if the London Marathon on April 27 could be his last race, he told a news conference: “No. I will speak more when I finish the marathon. It is a race that holds a very special place in my heart...
“After a good period of rest, I have returned to training with renewed energy and focus. I feel refuelled to give my very best in London.
“Now I’m focusing on training, purely on fitness and my muscles to be ready for London.
“I don’t like to mix some things. I learn to put all my mind on the road, put all my mind on making sure my muscles are lean and ready to combat the London streets. And the rest will come.”
Pressed about the possibility of retirement, he added: “When you convince me that the world has become a running world, I will retire. When you have four billion people running every day, I will retire.”
Kipchoge’s four London triumphs came from 2015 to 2019 – he missed the 2017 edition.
“Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathon runner of this or any other age,” said London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher.
“His four victories here in London is a record in the elite men’s category and, after five years away, it’s so exciting to be welcoming him back... for our historic 45th edition.”
The 2025 field will also include 2024 Olympic marathon gold medallist Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia and Kenya’s defending London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao.
The elite women’s race will feature marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich, former winner and 2024 Olympic gold medallist Sifan Hassan as well as Tigst Assefa, who clinched silver at the Paris Games.
In 2019, Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon inside two hours but the performance did not count as a world record as the Vienna event and set-up were not ratified by international athletics chiefs.
The official world record of two hours and 35 seconds was set in 2023 by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car crash in 2024. AFP, REUTERS
