Kenyan · Kapsisiywa, Kenya · Born 5 November 1984Widely regarded as the greatest marathoner ever.
Eliud Kipchoge was born in Kapsisiywa, Kenya in 1984 and became the greatest marathon runner in history — holding the world record and having run the only sub-two-hour marathon in history, albeit in unofficial conditions. He competed as a track runner from 2003, winning the World Championship 5000m gold in Paris 2003 at 18. He transitioned to the marathon in 2013. His marathon world record of 2:00:35 was set in Berlin in September 2023, shattering his own previous record of 2:01:09. In October 2019 he ran 1:59:40 at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna — the first sub-two-hour marathon in human history, though ineligible for the world record due to the use of pacemakers and other conditions. He won Olympic marathon gold in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021. He won 7 World Marathon Majors titles including Berlin (4 times), London (4 times) and Chicago. His 5000m personal best of 12:46.53 and 10,000m personal best of 26:49.02 reflect world-class track ability at his foundation. His Kaptagat training camp in the Rift Valley, his communal approach to training and his philosophy — No Human Is Limited — have made him as significant a figure in endurance sport culture as in its statistics.
Marathon Runner
His sub-two-hour marathon in Vienna ran the equivalent of 26.2 miles at under 4 minutes 34 seconds per mile, for two hours.
Did You Know?How They Played
Smooth running form, exceptional pacing, mental toughness
Lasting Impact
Revolutionized marathon running with consistent sub-2:10 times and mental approach
Career Honours
- 2016,2020 Olympic gold marathon
- marathon WR 2018 & 2022
- 2003 World champ 5000m
Kenyan Athletes