In the history of distance running, few athletes have combined sheer dominance with the philosophical gravitas of Eliud Kipchoge.
The Kenyan legend didn't just break records; he broke the four-minute-mile-equivalent psychological barrier in the marathon, showing the world that perceived limits are merely mental constructs.
Born in Kapsisiywa on November 5, 1984, Kipchoge’s journey from a humble upbringing to global icon is a testament to discipline, resilience, and a voracious appetite for self-improvement.
At the age of 41, Kipchoge took on the New York City Marathon in November 2025 to complete his set of all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors, earning the prestigious Six Star (now Seven Star with Sydney) medal.
He is one of the few athletes to have completed this challenge, winning many of the individual races multiple times.
On October 12, 2019, Kipchoge became the first human being to ever run a 42 km race under 2 hours when he participated in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria.
He clocked a record time of 1:59:40. The race was not recognised by the IAAF as it was an unofficial race.
The achievement was recognised by Guinness World Records with the titles ‘Fastest marathon distance (male)’ and ‘First marathon distance run under two hours’.
He later set the official world record of 2:01:09 in Berlin in 2022, a record that stood until the rise of a new generation of talent.
Through the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, he influences sports development policies in Kenya and abroad, promoting grassroots athletics programmes and supporting school sports initiatives that nurture future marathon champions.
He has partnered with global brands and used these platforms to empower young athletes, provide training opportunities, and fund community sports programmes.
As he steps away from competitive running, his legacy is not just in the finish lines he crossed first, but in the countless individuals he has inspired to chase their own seemingly impossible goals. He is, simply, one of the greatest of all time marathoners.