Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge is set to make a powerful return to the London Marathon this Sunday, hoping to bounce back from a turbulent 2024 that saw him experience unprecedented career setbacks. At 40, the two-time Olympic champion and only man to run a sub-two-hour marathon says he’s re-energized and focused, declaring, “I’ve woken up.”
Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, will compete in the London Marathon for the sixth time. However, this year marks his first appearance in the English capital since 2020, when a COVID-19-altered event was held on a closed-loop course. He placed eighth on that occasion—an uncharacteristically low finish attributed to an ear blockage that affected his performance.
Now, with a renewed mindset and hunger to inspire, Kipchoge hopes to reclaim his dominance. “Last year was tough,” he admitted in a pre-race press conference. “But sometimes, adversity is what wakes us up. I’ve woken up.”
A Rocky Road in 2024
Kipchoge’s struggles in 2024 have drawn attention across the athletics world. In March, he finished 10th at the Tokyo Marathon—his lowest-ever placing in a marathon. Then came the Paris Olympic test event in August, where he pulled out at the 30-kilometer mark due to waist discomfort, registering his first Did Not Finish (DNF) in an otherwise illustrious career.
“It was a difficult moment,” Kipchoge said. “To not finish a race—that was new territory for me. But it forced me to go back to the basics, to listen to my body, and to find the joy in running again.”
Despite the challenges, the veteran insists his passion for running remains unshaken. “Age is just a number,” he said. “I’m still hungry to inspire the next generation. I want them to see that setbacks can lead to comebacks.”
Legacy on the Line
Kipchoge’s career includes a host of astonishing feats. He has won four London Marathons (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), and in 2019, he made history by running a marathon in under two hours—1:59:40—in a specially organized, technology-assisted event in Vienna. Though not recognized as an official world record due to the controlled conditions, the feat is widely considered one of the greatest achievements in sports history.
His official personal best of 2:01:09, set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, remains the second-fastest time in history. He also boasts three of the top ten fastest marathon times ever recorded.
But despite those accolades, Kipchoge hasn’t stood atop the marathon podium since his Berlin triumph in 2023. Sunday’s race offers him a chance to reassert his status against what is being described as the most competitive men’s field in London Marathon history.
A Stacked Field in London
Organizers of the 2024 London Marathon have assembled a star-studded lineup that promises one of the most electrifying races in the event’s 45-year history. Defending champion Alexander Mutiso will be joined by 2022 world champion and reigning Olympic gold medalist Tamirat Tola, Uganda’s half-marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo, and Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe, the fifth-fastest marathoner in history.
“It’s a very strong field,” Kipchoge acknowledged. “But that’s what makes it exciting. I’m not just racing others—I’m racing myself, my limits, my past.”
More than 56,000 runners are expected to take part in this year’s London Marathon, which would make it the largest edition ever and potentially the biggest marathon globally in terms of participation.
Race director Hugh Brasher called the men’s field “unprecedented,” adding: “This is the most decorated and competitive lineup we’ve ever had. It’s a privilege to host these champions in London.”
What’s Next for Kipchoge?
While Sunday’s race may be Kipchoge’s final appearance in London, the athlete hasn’t ruled out future competitions. Much depends on his performance and how his body responds.
“There is always another horizon,” Kipchoge said. “I live one race at a time. If London goes well, maybe there’s more to come. If not, I will still be smiling, because I’ve given everything.”
He also addressed the possibility of retiring soon but hinted that he still has goals left to chase. “As long as I wake up every day with a dream, I’ll keep running,” he said. “Whether it’s to break a record or inspire one more person, I still have a purpose.”
Kipchoge’s resilience and dedication have earned him global admiration, not just for his performances but also for his philosophy. Often referring to running as a “metaphor for life,” he encourages people to embrace challenges and pursue discipline and consistency.
“Running is about pushing boundaries—not just physical, but mental and emotional,” he said. “That’s what I want to show in London. That even after a fall, you can rise again.”
London Awaits
The streets of London will once again bear witness to marathon greatness on Sunday. Whether Kipchoge wins or not, his presence adds gravitas to an already extraordinary event. For many fans, it’s a chance to cheer on a living legend—perhaps for the last time on British soil.
And for Kipchoge, it’s another step in a remarkable journey. A chance to show the world that even the greatest stumble—but the true champions rise again.
“Every sunrise is a new opportunity,” he said with a smile. “London is mine.”
