Eliud Kipchoge Announces Berlin Marathon 2026 as Final Career Race

Eliud Kipchoge has confirmed that the 2026 Berlin Marathon will be his final competitive race, bringing down the curtain on arguably the greatest distance running career in history. The announcement was made at a press conference in Nairobi attended by athletics officials, sponsors, and fellow Kenyan runners.

Berlin holds special significance for Kipchoge, who set world records there in both 2018 and 2022. The 41-year-old described the decision as one he had been contemplating since early 2026, wanting to end his career at a venue that gave him some of his most memorable moments.

Kipchoge's legacy extends far beyond his times. He became the first human to run a marathon in under two hours during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna in 2019, a feat that captivated the entire sporting world. His Olympic gold medals in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 cemented his status as an all-time great.

Following retirement from competition, Kipchoge plans to focus on his foundation's work promoting education and environmental conservation in the Rift Valley. He will also serve as a global ambassador for running, mentoring the next generation of Kenyan distance runners.