Eliud Kipchoge: The Greatest Marathon Runner Bids Farewell to the World Majors

Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathon runner in history, has reached a landmark moment in his legendary career. In 2025, the 41-year-old completed a remarkable personal quest: finishing all six World Marathon Majors. His journey culminated at the 2025 New York City Marathon, where he crossed the line in 17th place — not for the result, but for the milestone of having raced them all.

The year began in spectacular fashion. At the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, Kipchoge reminded the world why he is the GOAT, storming to victory in 2:02:40 — a course and all-comers' record. It was a definitive statement from a man some had started to write off after uneven performances in previous seasons. Tokyo showed that Kipchoge still possesses the speed and mental fortitude that have defined his career.

After Tokyo, Kipchoge ran the Sydney Marathon (finishing ninth in 2:08:31) before closing his World Marathon Majors chapter in New York. The NYC result of 2:14:36 and 17th place was humbling by his standards, but Kipchoge's goal was completion, not competition. He has strongly hinted that New York was his final World Marathon Major race, though he has not retired from marathons entirely.

For Kenya, Kipchoge's legacy is immense. He broke the two-hour marathon barrier, holds the official world record of 2:01:09, won two Olympic gold medals, and dominated the marathon like no one before him. At his training camp in Kaptagat, in the Rift Valley highlands, the next generation of Kenyan runners train alongside the great man, absorbing lessons that will shape Kenyan marathon running for decades.

What comes next for Kipchoge remains to be seen. Whether he targets more extreme challenges or steps back from competition, his place in sporting history is assured. Kenya proud — Bingwa wa Kenya!