Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has affirmed his desire to continue competing and winning, despite recent disappointing performances. The world-renowned athlete, known for his record-breaking achievements, faced unexpected challenges in his last two major races, including a withdrawal from the Paris Olympic Games marathon and a 10th place finish in the Tokyo Marathon.
Kipchoge’s struggles have led some fans and pundits to suggest that the two-time Olympic champion should consider retirement. However, the marathon icon remains resolute in his commitment to the sport.
“I still want to win something else,” Eliud Kipchoge told Runners World. He emphasized that running is a way of life, requiring dedication and consistency, even in the face of adversity. “Running is like life – full of challenges. That’s why it’s called life… If you miss today, you wake up tomorrow. If you have a rest this month, and you actually know the goal that you set, don’t fall down. Wake up, move on every day, and next time you will achieve it,” he said.
Kipchoge, who has won nearly every major marathon title, is now setting his sights on the Tokyo Marathon as a stepping stone to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite his recent difficulties, he remains focused on inspiring the next generation of runners.
“I still want to run fast and inspire people,” Kipchoge shared. He also mentioned his future plans after retiring from professional racing: “When I call off the sport, I will not actually stop running. I will go to the big city marathons and run with a big group of people to enjoy running together and inspire the younger generation.”
Offering advice to aspiring runners, Kipchoge urged them to focus on the experience rather than the clock. “During the race, just enjoy it. Don’t actually put your mind to something called time – just finish that marathon. It’s about accomplishment. You have accomplished what you have been training for,” he advised.