When describing a perfect long-distance runner of this generation, very few can look beyond Eliud Kipchoge, the 40-year-old from Kapsisiywa. Kipchoge has achieved immense success throughout his long career, including the Olympics, World Championships, and World Marathon Majors, making him one of the most successful athletes in his discipline.
The 40-year-old is in the proximity to add another prestigious honor under his belt on Sunday (Nov. 02) at the New York City Marathon, which can also possibly be the final marathon of his career. Although there has been no official confirmation, reports suggest that the two-time Olympian is set to take his final leap in New York.
Eliud Kipchoge on Completing His Next Goal
Kipchoge will be chasing the honorable Six-Star Medal on Sunday ahead of his much-talked-about retirement. He can earn this feat just by completing the New York City Marathon. This medal is a testament to the marathoners who have completed all six of the original World Marathon Majors: Tokyo, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London, and New York. The recently added Sydney World Marathon Major is not considered for this medal.
Kipchoge shed light on the significance of this prestigious honor on Sunday. “Chasing that Six Star will actually cement my legacy,” Kipchoge said via The Independent. “It will make me a real marathoner all round. The Six Star has been my goal since I stepped in the marathon. It takes time to do all six, it takes patience, but patience pays.”
The 40-year-old further added, “My celebration is to see all the Six Star winners. Talk with them, shake hands, tell them to help me make this world a running world.” Kipchoge also expressed his excitement to compete in New York on Sunday.
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Kipchoge has won the World Marathon Majors in London, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo so far in his career. The Kenyan has seen notable success in the Berlin event, winning it five times, and in London, which he won four times.
Kipchoge Sheds Light on Countering the Challenges That the New York City Marathon Presents
It’s astonishing that in his long and decorated career, Kipchoge hasn’t set foot at the prestigious New York City Marathon, and the Sunday event, which can be his final marathon, is also his debut in this World Marathon Major.
Speaking about the challenges of competing at the marathon for the first time, Kipchoge said, “In all of my life, I’ve actually pushing the limits and I think this is the time when I push my limit,” the Kenyan said, as quoted by LetsRundotcom. “I want to go through the streets of New York, people to remind you and the experience.”
In the 2025 season so far, Kipchoge has competed in two marathons, in London and Sydney, finishing sixth and ninth, respectively.