Eliud Kipchoge, born on November 5, 1984, in Nandi County, Kenya, is widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history. He began his athletic career as a track specialist, excelling in the 5000 meters.
Career
At just 18, Kipchoge won the gold medal in the 5000m at the 2003 World Championships, setting a championship record. He also earned Olympic bronze and silver medals in the 5000m at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games, respectively, and was a consistent finalist in major track events throughout his early career.
After missing qualification for the 2012 London Olympics, Kipchoge shifted his focus to road running, making his marathon debut in 2013 at the Hamburg Marathon, which he won with a course record. This marked the beginning of a dominant marathon career. He went on to win major marathons, including Chicago, London, Berlin, Rotterdam, and Tokyo multiple times. Kipchoge holds the record for the most wins in the London Marathon (four) and Berlin Marathon (five).
World Record
Kipchoge set the official marathon world record in 2018 at the Berlin Marathon with a time of 2:01:39, breaking the previous record by a significant margin. He further improved this record in 2022, lowering it to 2:01:09, a mark that stood until 2023 when Kelvin Kiptum surpassed it. Beyond official records, Kipchoge made history on October 12, 2019, by running a marathon distance in under two hours (1:59:40) during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna. Although this feat was not recognized as an official world record due to controlled conditions and pacing strategies, it was celebrated worldwide as a groundbreaking demonstration of human endurance and potential.
Kipchoge’s Olympic achievements are equally impressive. He won back-to-back gold medals in the marathon at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, becoming only the third man in history to win two Olympic marathon titles. His consistency and mental discipline have set him apart, earning him the nickname “The Philosopher” for his strategic approach to racing and calm demeanor.
Awards/Recognition
Off the track, Kipchoge is known for his humility and dedication to his family and community. He established the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation to support early childhood education and environmental conservation. He has also been honored with numerous awards, including the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart by Kenya and the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award in Sports in 2023.
Family/Wife/Children
Eliud Kipchoge is married to Grace Sugut, who has been his partner and supporter for over 18 years. The couple met as schoolmates and neighbors, and Grace has played a significant role in Kipchoge’s life and career, providing moral support and managing the family while he trains and competes
