Eliud Kipchoge Aims to Make History at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Eliud Kipchoge is on the verge of making history at the Paris Olympics, aiming to become the first man to win three consecutive gold medals in the men’s marathon.

Despite facing challenges this year, including the tragic passing of marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum in March and online trolling, Kipchoge remains focused on his goal.

The upcoming race at the Hôtel de Ville offers him a unique chance for redemption and to secure his legacy in the sport.

As he prepares for the race, Kipchoge’s determination to achieve glory and cement his place in the history books is unwavering.

This marathon is not just a race; it’s a defining moment in his illustrious career.

Who is Eliud Kipchoge? The Greatest Marathoner of All Time

Eliud Kipchoge EGH, born on November 5, 1984, is a Kenyan long-distance runner who competes in the marathon.

He previously specialized in the 5000 meters. Widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Kipchoge won the Olympic marathon in both 2016 and 2020.

He held the world record in the marathon from 2018 to 2023, with a time of 2:01:09, set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon.

In 2023, Kelvin Kiptum broke Kipchoge’s record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:00:35.

Despite this, Kipchoge remains a legend, having run four of the 10 fastest marathons in history. His remarkable achievements have redefined the limits of human endurance in marathon running.

Career Highlights

Eliud Kipchoge, a legendary Kenyan long-distance runner, began his career with a bang. He won the junior race at the 2003 World Cross Country Championships and set a world junior record in the 5000 meters.

At just 18, Kipchoge became the senior 5000-meter world champion. He earned an Olympic bronze in 2004 and another bronze at the 2006 World Indoor Championships.

Kipchoge consistently shined in the 5000 meters, reaching five World Championship finals and securing silver medals at the 2007 World Championships, the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

In 2012, Kipchoge switched to road running and quickly made headlines with the second-fastest half marathon debut ever at 59:25.

His marathon debut in 2013 saw him win the Hamburg Marathon in course-record time. Kipchoge claimed his first major marathon victory at the 2014 Chicago Marathon.

He went on to become a five-time series champion, winning in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022.

Kipchoge has also won the London Marathon four times and holds the record for the most Berlin Marathon wins, with five victories.

Out of 18 marathons, Kipchoge has won 15. One of his most remarkable achievements came in 2019 when he became the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, finishing the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna in 1:59:40.2.

Although this run didn’t qualify as an official world record, it solidified Kipchoge’s status as the greatest marathoner of all time.

Most impressive accomplishments

• In 2019, Kipchoge broke the two-hour barrier by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours, finishing in 1:59:40.
• Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion, winning gold medals in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
• He held the marathon world record until 2023, with a time of 2:01:09.
• Kipchoge has shown unparalleled consistency throughout his career, with only a few losses in his marathon journey.

Who will Kipchoge face in Paris?

The double Olympic champion will face tough competition from Benson Kipruto, who won the Tokyo marathon.

He will also renew his rivalry with Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele, the third-fastest man of all time.

Other top athletes in the line-up include Alexander Munyao, the 2024 London Marathon winner, and Tamirat Tola, a multiple World Marathon Majors medalist.

Eliud Kipchoge wrongly connected to Kelvin Kiptum’s death

The 39-year-old Eliud Kipchoge faced vile and offensive abuse on social media after Kelvin Kiptum’s death in February.

Kiptum tragically died in a road accident, just as his career was taking off. It is unfortunate that Kipchoge, a respected athlete and global icon, was wrongly implicated in Kiptum’s death.

The harmful rumors that spread online caused immense distress to Kipchoge and his family. These baseless accusations highlight the negative impact of social media and the need to verify information before sharing it.

Kipchoge has always championed clean sports and maintained the highest level of integrity. His character and contributions to athletics remain untainted by these false claims.

Personal Life

Kipchoge grew up with his single mother, a teacher, and only knew his father from pictures. He is the youngest of four children.

At 16, in 2001, he met his trainer, Patrick Sang, a former Olympic steeplechase medalist.

Kipchoge’s wife and three children live in Eldoret, Kenya. He resides and trains in Kaptagat, which is 30 km (19 miles) from Eldoret. Kipchoge is a devout Catholic.

Kipchoge’s Net Worth

The long-distance runner is estimated to be worth $3 million, largely due to his impressive marathon performances.

He is now considered one of the greatest marathon runners in history. Kipchoge’s earnings are around $50,000 per event.