Eliud Kipchoge's Humble Hustle Before Marathon Fame

Eliud Kipchoge is without a doubt the greatest marathoner in history, a feat that cannot be taken for granted given the huge pool of athletes clamouring for glory in the same field.

Standing on the cusps of history with the Ineos challenge (attempt to run 42 kilometers in less than 2 hours), Kipchoge's journey has been far from rosy, a reason that many who have interacted with him stated has contributed to his humility.

The name "Kipchoge" was given to him after he was born next to a granary, his mother Janet Rotich told The Standard.

Eliud Kipchoge with relatives and friends at a past event.  He started off as a butcher and a milkman before venturing into athletics.

His journey into athletics, however, was more than unusual given the direction he had taken after completing his studies.

The Standard reported on Friday, October 11, that after Kipchoge completed his Form Four education at Kaptel High School in Nandi County, he ventured into the world of business.

His first attempt at earning a living was operating a butchery, which proved to be less successful than he had anticipated.

He is reported to have then ventured into milk delivery. He would buy and transport milk it to the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) using a bicycle bought for him by his mother.

The publication further reported that at one time, Kipchoge was transporting 150 litres of milk to the creameries when his bicycle broke down in Kimondi area, five kilometers to his destination.

"Kipchoge decided to run to his friend Daniel far away to borrow another bicycle. He impressed his peers who asked him to enter an athletics competition in Kapsabet that weekend," Sylvester Korir, Kipchoge's neighbor was quoted.

Without preparations of any sorts, Kipchoge emerged second in that race, a feat that kick-started his stellar athletics career.

It is his record-breaking streak that has been cultivated over the years that made Kipchoge a favorite candidate for the Ineos Challenge.

According to the Ineos Challenge website, for Kipchoge to manage to run the race in below 2 hours, he’ll need to run 100m in 17.08 seconds – 422 times in a row, and to cover 1 kilometer in 3 minutes or less.

The name Ineos is derived from Inspec Ethylene Oxide Specialities, the name of the company associated with British Billionaire Jim Rattcliff, the sponsor of the sub-2 hour contest.

Video: Kipchoge talking about his Ineos Challenge.