Eliud Kipchoge during the INEOS 1:59 challenge/ HANDOUT
Double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge hopes to draw inspiration from his rich history on the streets of London as he aims to script yet another golden chapter this Sunday.
Widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, Kipchoge will be gunning for a record-extending fifth title in the British capital, lining up against a formidable field of world-class athletes. The 40-year-old is already the most decorated male athlete in London Marathon history with four titles.
His maiden title in the British capital came in 2015 when he cut the tape in 2:04:42 ahead of compatriots Wilson Kipsang (2:04:47) and Dennis Kimetto (2:05:50).
He defended his title the following year, clocking 2:03:05 with Stanley Biwott (2:03:51) and his long-time rival on the roads, Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele (2:06:36) completing the podium. Kipchoge triumphed once more in 2018, clocking 2:04:17 with Shura Kitata (2:04:49) and Mo Farah (2:06:21) completing the podium.
He returned the following year, defending his crown after clocking 2:02:37 slightly ahead of Ethiopians Mosinet Geremew (2:02:55) and Mule Wasihun (2:03:16). Now, back for his sixth appearance, Kipchoge is hoping to harness that winning aura.
"Winning four times in London makes me proud, it makes me more energetic and gives me motivation to wake up every day, push on and go back for more in London," Kipchoge shared. "It will be really special to be back in London this year, the reason being I will try to beat everyone else competing in the race."
The 2003 World 5,000m champion makes his first appearance on the roads after a disappointing outing at the Paris Olympics in August 2024.
In Paris, Kipchoge was chasing his third consecutive Olympic title in the 42km race after previous triumphs in Rio 2016 (2:08:44) and Tokyo 2020 (2:08:38).
However, he failed to finish the race, pulling out just after the 30km mark, citing discomfort around his waist. But true to his reputation, Kipchoge is determined to bounce back stronger. "My goal for the London Marathon is to win and run fast."
He revealed that his preparations have been good and his body is up to the task. "My preparations have been good and I feel good, I am on the right direction and my body has been responding well to the training," he added. "I am looking forward to being on the start line, waiting for the gun to go, competing in a good way, enjoying the race and getting good results in the race."
Kipchoge says London holds a special place in his heart — not just for its fast course and iconic landmarks, but for the electrifying support from fans.
"I'll be back in London for a sixth time. I like London because of the good streets, and it's a sporting city."
"The presence of the crowd on the road makes the London Marathon more unique and special. The crowd are always there to cheer you on, lining up from the first to last kilometre, and that gives more energy."
Beyond chasing glory, Kipchoge hopes to inspire the tens of thousands running alongside him.
"My goal is also to inspire many people in London, over the 50,000 people running behind me," he noted.
In London, Kipchoge will line up alongside the reigning London Marathon champion and compatriot Alexander Munyao. Munyao claimed last year's crown, crossing the line in 2:04:01 ahead of Bekele (2:04:15) and the host's Emile Cairess (2:06:46).
Adding more firepower to the Kenyan charge is Valencia Marathon champion Sebastian Sawe.
