Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic marathon champion, has announced his return to the London Marathon in 2025 after a five-year absence. The legendary Kenyan athlete, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, will be aiming to add to his already impressive record in the race. Kipchoge is a four-time winner of the London Marathon, having triumphed in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. His return to the event has generated excitement, especially considering that it may be his last appearance in the English capital before retiring from competitive athletics.
In a remarkable gesture, Kipchoge has also extended an offer to mentor Alex Yee, the Olympic triathlon champion, as he prepares for his marathon debut. Yee, who won gold in the triathlon at the Paris 2024 Olympics, has decided to take on the challenge of running a marathon, with the London Marathon serving as his first foray into the distance. Yee, 26, had previously expressed his admiration for Kipchoge and his desire to learn from the marathon great. Kipchoge, known for his sportsmanship and generosity, has now responded positively to Yee’s request, offering to meet with him before the race to share insights into marathon training and racing.
Kipchoge’s offer to mentor Yee reflects his desire to pass on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of athletes. “I’d like to meet him before the race and share the lives we live,” Kipchoge said. “I’d love to know him more. I’ll give my time when I’m in London to sit with him and share a meal, have a coffee. My advice is to make sure to train very well and enjoy the distance. I’ll share with him what I believe about running. I’m looking forward to it.”
This exchange of advice between Kipchoge and Yee is particularly significant, as Yee’s transition from triathlon to marathon running presents a unique challenge. The marathon is a very different discipline from triathlon, and Kipchoge’s expertise in the event could prove invaluable to Yee as he navigates the physical and mental demands of the 26.2-mile race.
Kipchoge’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements, including his world record in the marathon and his Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2020. He is also the only person in history to run a marathon in under two hours, completing the feat in a special event in 2019. Despite his unparalleled success, Kipchoge’s last race at the Paris 2024 Olympics ended in disappointment when he failed to finish the marathon due to discomfort around his waist. This was the first time in his career that he had dropped out of a race, which raised questions about his future in the sport.
While Kipchoge has not confirmed whether the 2025 London Marathon will be his last, his decision to offer mentorship to Yee suggests that he is eager to continue contributing to the sport, even as his competitive career nears its end. His willingness to share his insights and experience with Yee highlights his commitment to the development of marathon running and his belief in the importance of passing on knowledge to younger athletes.
The 2025 London Marathon is set to be a thrilling event, with Kipchoge’s return and Yee’s debut adding an extra layer of intrigue. Whether or not it marks the end of Kipchoge’s illustrious career, his impact on the sport will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of marathoners.
