Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner best known as one of the greatest marathoners in history.

Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner best known as one of the greatest marathoners in history. He won Olympic marathon gold in 2016 and 2020, and he set the marathon world record in 2018, later lowering it to 2:01:09 in 2022. He also became the first person to run a marathon distance in under two hours in a non-record-eligible exhibition event in 2019.

Early life and career

Kipchoge was born in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, and rose through long-distance running before becoming an elite international athlete in the early 2000s. He first made his mark in the 5000 metres, including a world title in 2003.

Olympic and world championship results

He won bronze in the 5000 metres at Athens 2004 and silver at Beijing 2008, then later switched focus to the marathon. His marathon victories include two Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2020.

Marathon achievements

Kipchoge dominated marathon racing for years and set multiple world-best performances. He ran 2:01:39 in Berlin in 2018, then improved the world record to 2:01:09 in Berlin in 2022.

Sub-two-hour marathon project

In October 2019, Kipchoge completed the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna in 1:59:40. The performance was historic but not eligible as an official world record because it was staged as a special exhibition effort.