Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has put on auction some of the iconic items he has won and used throughout his racing career.
In collaboration with Catawiki, Kipchoge has placed the items on auction in a bid to raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, an organisation that supports kid's education and environmental conversation in Eliud's homeland of Kenya.
Among items placed on auction are his racing shoes, his specially designed water bottles, his wristwatches, and a signed racing bib from the world record-breaking Berlin Marathon 2018.
"Catawiki hosts a charity auction in partnership with the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, an organisation supporting kids education and environmentalism in Eliud's homeland of Kenya," they wrote on their organisation's website.
They added, "all special objects on auction represent iconic moments from Eliud's running career, including a signed racing bib from the world record-breaking Berlin Marathon 2018."
The bidding period for the items is set to be closed on October 3, 2021, and the winners of the various items announced.
On top of the auction list are his iconic marathon shoes, Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 "OG". It is hand-signed by Kipchoge and has been placed on the website on an open bid auction. The shoes come with a certificate of authenticity from the management of Kipchoge.
Another iconic item put on auction is the special BIB number he was given by the BMW car manufacturing company after winning the Berlin Marathon in 2018.
Also, his hand-signed NN Running team 2018 book has also been put on auction, already attracting bids. It comes with a special certificate of authenticity.
Kipchoge also placed his iconic running water bottles on auction that is specifically designed for him.
All the items are being auctioned on an open bid. The one who places the biggest bid gets the opportunity to own the item.
A special running watch designed specifically for him has also been put on auction. Unlike the traditional PACE 2, the edition on auction features red and green accents inspired by Kenya's flag. The watch also showcases a white bezel with a red digital dial and a green lap/back button. 500 pieces made by Coros will be up for auction.
Other items on the list include his 2018 World Record Book, his 2020 training book, his training Nike Air Zoom Alphafly shoes, and a newly designed marathon race vest.
All the items on auction have been signed by Kipchoge and have certificates of authenticity. The open bid is already attracting very many bidders, ahead of the closing date.
On Thursday, September 9, Kipchoge launched his Foundation. He expressed optimism during the launch, stating that needy students across the country will benefit from the foundation’s program.
“I am very grateful to launch my Eliud Kipchoge Foundation today. My mission is to give learners in the world access to knowledge and education,” Kipchoge stated.
The two-time Olympics Gold medalist added that his focus on education was motivated by his experience as an athlete.
“From my own experience, I saw that most athletes dropped out of school and tried to build a life without education. But with education, it can help you grow and it can help you grow your community alongside you,” he added.
