Eliud Kipchoge, now 40, is widely regarded as the greatest marathoner in history, having redefined distance running with unparalleled achievements and consistency. Kipchoge, who holds two Olympic gold medals from Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, continues to chase new milestones. Among his many historic feats, he set a world record at the 2018 Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:01:39 and later improved this to 2:01:09 in 2022. His mental strength and disciplined training have also helped him win four London Marathons and five Berlin Marathons, making him a dominant figure in these elite races【27†source】【28†source】.
Perhaps his most iconic achievement came in 2019, when he became the first person to run a marathon distance in under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna’s Ineos 1:59 Challenge. Though not an official record, this remarkable run showcased his physical and mental endurance, inspiring runners and sports fans worldwide. Kipchoge has expressed a desire to defend his title at the Paris 2024 Olympics, aiming to become the only marathoner to win three Olympic golds【29†source】【28†source】.
Kipchoge’s story extends beyond physical accomplishments; he emphasizes mental fortitude, believing that “running is not so much about the legs; it’s about the heart and the mind.” His influence in athletics is profound, and as he heads toward new challenges, including potentially racing against younger talents like Kelvin Kiptum, Kipchoge remains an enduring symbol of excellence in the marathon world【27†source】【29†source】.