Eliud Kipchoge denies retirement before London Marathon

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge confirms he plans to compete beyond the London Marathon at 40.

Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge attends a press conference after arriving at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 27, 2024. Photo by Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA/Getty Images

By Randy Ahmad and Yuni Utomo

Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest men’s marathon runner of all time, has dismissed rumors that the upcoming London Marathon could mark the end of his illustrious career. Speaking on Friday, the Kenyan athlete confirmed his intention to continue competing at the age of 40, even as he prepares for the prestigious race scheduled for April 27.

The two-time Olympic champion and record holder of 11 World Marathon Majors victories, including four London Marathon titles, has faced growing speculation about his future following his withdrawal from the Paris 2024 Olympics marathon. However, Kipchoge was resolute in quelling the rumors.

When asked during a press conference if the London Marathon would be his final race, Kipchoge firmly replied, "No. I will speak more when I finish the marathon. Right now, I am focusing on training, fitness, and ensuring my muscles are ready for the streets of London."

Kipchoge, renowned for his mental discipline and meticulous preparation, emphasized his commitment to the sport. "I don't like to mix things. My focus is on the road, making sure my body is ready to combat the challenges ahead. The rest will follow," he added.

Addressing the topic of retirement, Kipchoge revealed a deeper motivation for continuing his career. "When you convince me that the world has become a running world, I will retire. When four billion people are running every day, then I will consider it," he stated, underscoring his passion for inspiring global fitness.

Kipchoge’s record-breaking career includes four victories at the London Marathon between 2015 and 2019, missing only the 2017 edition. This year, he will compete against a formidable field, including Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola, the 2024 Olympic marathon gold medalist, and Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao, the defending London Marathon champion.

While Kipchoge’s unparalleled achievements have cemented his legacy, the competition remains fierce. In 2019, he became the first person to complete a marathon in under two hours, achieving a time of 1:59:40 in Vienna. However, the feat was not ratified as an official world record due to the controlled conditions of the event.

The current official marathon world record of 2:00:35 was set in 2023 by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically died in a car accident last year.

Kipchoge’s enduring legacy

Despite the challenges of age and competition, Kipchoge’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering. His approach to preparation and focus on the mental and physical aspects of running have made him a role model for athletes worldwide.

The London Marathon presents an opportunity for Kipchoge to reaffirm his status as a dominant force in the sport. With a storied career that has inspired millions, his journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and passion.

As the countdown to April 27 continues, fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see what the legendary runner achieves next. For Kipchoge, the road ahead is far from over, as he aims to continue inspiring a global running movement while pursuing new milestones.

Share