Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge stands to earn a substantial payday if he breaks a record at the upcoming London Marathon in April 2025.
Kipchoge, who is no stranger to breaking records, famously became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours in 2019, although the feat was not recognized because of pace-making conditions.
The 40-year-old is certainly in the twilight years of his career, but despite this, he remains a formidable force on the tracks. The London marathon, which is among the highest-paying in the world, offers arguably his last chance at high-profile glory.
According to the London Marathon CEO Hugh Brasher, the upcoming marathon, slated for April 27, will be ''the greatest elite field in the history of the London Marathon"—a dynamic which highlights the fierce competition Kipchoge will have to contend with.
The prize money on offer for the 2025 London Marathon is the same as in 2024, with the winner set to pocket a whopping Ksh7.1 million (55,000 USD) for both the men's and women's categories.
Runners-up will earn Ksh3.85 million (30,000 USD), while third-place finishers will be feted with Ksh2.9 million (22,500 USD).
While the cash prizes for overall winners are hefty in themselves, the stakes are higher for winners who manage to break records. Organizers have revealed that there is a Ksh19.4 million (150,000USD) bonus for the marathoner who runs sub 2:02 for the men and sub 2:15 for the women.
It gets better as athletes who set a new world record will be feted with a whopping Ksh16.1 million (125,000USD). There is a further Ksh3.2 million (25,000USD) for the men's and women's elite competition for setting a new course record.
Which Kenyans will compete?
Besides Kipchoge, there are other big names set to compete, including the defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao, who famously beat legendary Ethiopian distance runner Kenenisa Bekele in 2024.
Another notable name in the men's category is Sebastian Sawe, who holds the fifth-fastest marathon time in history.
In the women's category, the three fastest women in history will go head to head for a shot at the hefty prize money.
Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir (2:16:16) and Ruth Chepngetich(2:09:56) will come up against Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa (2:11:53) and Netherland's Sifan Hassan (2:13:44).
