Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge
Name	Eliud Kipchoge
Caption	Kipchoge in 2020
Birth date	5 November 1984
Birth place	Kapsisiywa, Nandi County, Kenya
Nationality	Kenyan
Sport	Athletics
Event	Long-distance running
Pb	Marathon: 2:01:09, 5000 metres: 12:46.53
Coach	Patrick Sang
World rank	1 (marathon)

Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner who is widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time. He is the Olympic champion in the marathon for both 2016 and 2020, and the world record holder in the event. Kipchoge is renowned for his exceptional consistency, winning 15 of the 18 World Marathon Majors races he has entered, and for being the first person to run a marathon distance in under two hours during the non-record-eligible INEOS 1:59 Challenge.

Early life and background

He was born in Kapsisiywa, Nandi County, a region within the Great Rift Valley famed for producing world-class distance runners. Kipchoge was raised by his mother, a teacher, after his father died when he was young, and he helped support the family by selling milk at the local market. His early education was at Kapsisiywa Primary School, and he began running seriously as a teenager, inspired by the success of fellow Kalenjin athletes like Moses Kiptanui. His raw talent was first noted by his schoolteacher, who encouraged him to pursue the sport, leading to his early training on the dirt roads around his home.

Career

Kipchoge's professional track career began in 2002, and he quickly rose to prominence by winning the 5000 metres at the 2003 World Championships in Paris at age 18, defeating famed rivals Hicham El Guerrouj and Kenenisa Bekele. He secured an Olympic bronze medal in the 5000m at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. After a period of transition, he moved up to the road running circuit, making his half marathon debut in 2012 and his marathon debut in 2013 at the Hamburg Marathon, which he won. His career has been managed under the Global Sports Communication agency and guided by his long-time coach, former steeplechase world record holder Patrick Sang.

Marathon achievements

His marathon achievements are unprecedented, headlined by his official world record of 2:01:09 set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. Kipchoge has won the Berlin Marathon four times and the London Marathon four times, setting course records at both events. He captured the Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and successfully defended his title at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Beyond official competitions, his sub-two-hour marathon run of 1:59:40.2 in Vienna during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 2019 stands as a monumental feat in human endurance, though it was not ratified as a world record due to its use of pacemakers and other optimized conditions.

Training and philosophy

He trains primarily at the Global Sports Communication training camp in Kaptagat, Kenya, following a highly disciplined regimen that blends high-altitude running, group workouts, and meticulous recovery. His philosophy, often summarized as "No Human is Limited," emphasizes mental strength, consistency, and a simple lifestyle. Kipchoge's training group includes other elite athletes like Geoffrey Kamworor and is known for its communal, spartan living conditions. He credits his success to a holistic approach involving proper nutrition, ample sleep, and a strong belief in the power of the mind, principles he often discusses in interviews and his book.

Legacy and impact

Kipchoge's legacy extends beyond his records, having redefined the limits of human potential in endurance sports and inspired a global audience. He has received numerous honors, including being named a Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya and winning the World Athlete of the Year award. His sub-two-hour project, documented in the film *Kipchoge: The Last Milestone*, showcased cutting-edge sports science and pacing technology from INEOS and Nike. He is a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and education, using his foundation to support tree-planting initiatives and provide scholarships in Kenya.

Personal life

He is married to Grace Sugut, and they have three children together. The family resides part-time on a farm in Eldoret and at the training camp in Kaptagat. Known for his humble and philosophical demeanor, Kipchoge enjoys reading, particularly works on philosophy and self-improvement, and is a fan of English football, supporting Arsenal F.C.. A devout Catholic, he often speaks about the role of faith in his life and career.

Category:Kenyan marathon runners Category:Olympic gold medalists for Kenya Category:World record holders in athletics