New York:
Eliud Kipchoge, the world’s greatest marathoner, has retired from elite, competitive racing, immediately announcing his goals for the coming two years with the launch of the Eliud Kipchoge World Tour.
Kipchoge completed his “Six Star” circuit of World Marathon Majors races journey by clocking two hours, 14 minutes and 26 seconds for a 17th place finish at Sunday’s TCS New York City Marathon his final race in the WMM series that features competitions in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York cities.
Sydney was this year included in the WMM series with Kipchoge also competing and finishing the race in ninth place outside the Sydney Opera House in 2:08:31 in August.
Kenyan sweep in NYC Marathon
Kenyan swept the men’s and women’s races at Sunday’s New York Marathon with Obiri setting a women’s course as Benson Kipruto completed a hat-trick of WMM wins on US soil by winning by the thickness of a vest from compatriot Alexander Mutiso by less than a second.
Obiri, winner in New York in 2023, clocked 2:19:51 after outpacing 2022 winner Sharon Lokedi in Central Park to erase the course record of 2:22:31 set by Margaret Okayo in 2003. Defending champion Sheila Chepkirui finished third with all three Kenyans beating the previous course record.
Kipruto and Mutiso broke away approaching Central Park and while Kipruto seemed assured of victory with 200 metres to go, a late burst of energy from Mutiso saw the duo dip in a photo-finish 2:08:09, Kipruto winning by three-hundredths of a second.
Meanwhile, Kipchoge’s NN Running Team announced that the legend’s unprecedented two-year journey will take him across the world to compete in marathons on all seven continents, while continuing to race at the elite level.
“This project aims to inspire the world to become a running world while raising funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation in support of education and environmental causes worldwide, bridging the things that Eliud so deeply cares for,” NN Running Team said in a statement.
Movement for a better world
“For years, Eliud has set out to inspire the world through running. With this project, he goes all in on his dream to unite the world by visiting each continent and spend meaningful time alongside his fans at each race. Each marathon on this world tour is an invitation to the global running community and a celebration of unity.
“Eliud’s footsteps will connect runners and fans in every corner of the world while setting out to create a movement for a better world,” the statement added.
“Running is the most universal sport, it connects us all,” said Kipchoge.
“With this project, I want to compete not only for records, but for the people. I want to continue to push myself to run at my best but I also want to inspire, give back, and remind everyone that no human is limited. I believe that we can all come together and become a better world.”
The project marks a new chapter in Eliud’s legacy. One surrounded by fans, fueled by purpose, and anchored in his lifelong philosophy of discipline, respect, and hope. Through the Eliud Kipchoge World Tour, Kipchoge aims to leave a lasting global footprint that continues to inspire generations of runners.
At the heart of the initiative is the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, founded in 2020 to promote education and environmental sustainability. Each continent’s event will also support local projects tied to the foundation’s mission. From building libraries and supporting schools in Kenya and beyond to fostering environmental restoration worldwide.
The Eliud Kipchoge Foundation
“All children deserve access to knowledge, education and healthy air to breathe,” Eliud emphasizes.
“Through this world tour, I hope to raise awareness and resources that help create opportunities for young people everywhere and help to improving the life around them.”
The Eliud Kipchoge World Tour is the first activation that takes places under the project Eliud´s Running World. For the coming decade Eliud aims to launch many new initiatives under this platform to continue to inspire the running world, unite runners worldwide and raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.
Born in 1984 in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, Eliud Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion and former world record holder in the marathon. But more famously, Eliud is the first human ever to run a marathon in under two hours. His pursuit of excellence and humility continues to inspire millions around the globe.
Founded in 2020, the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation empowers communities through education and environmental sustainability. Guided by Eliud’s belief that “No human is limited,” the foundation invests in libraries, early education programs, and sustainable farming and reforestation initiatives worldwide.
The first destination of the World Tour will be announced soon, NN Running Team added.
Fans can follow Eliud’s journey, receive exclusive updates, and participate in the global movement at http://www.eliudsrunningworld.com.
(Reporting with resources from NN Running Team, NYC Marathon. Photos: Eurosport / NN Running Team)
Elias Makori, the founder and Managing Editor of Pura Vida Sports Africa, is a veteran sports journalist with over 30 years’ experience. Makori is a holder of a Masters in Sports Management degree from Barcelona’s Cruyff Institute and is also the 2012 World Athletics Journalist of the Year, three-time Kenya Sports Journalist of the Year and twice Africa Sports Media Personality of the Year.
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