Vivian Cheruiyot, the celebrated Kenyan long-distance runner, has hinted at the possibility of retiring soon after her fifth-place finish at the London Marathon. Cheruiyot, who has enjoyed a long and successful career spanning over 25 years, has been a prominent figure in athletics, especially in marathons. The four-time World Champion has taken breaks during her career, with the most notable one occurring after the COVID-19 pandemic, when many fans thought she might have retired for good.
However, she made a strong comeback in 2023, competing in both local and international events. Some of her impressive performances included a fifth-place finish at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and a sixth-place finish at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop. In 2024, Cheruiyot continued to prove her ability to compete at the highest level, securing a fourth-place finish at the Paris Marathon and a third-place finish at the New York City Marathon. Her 2025 season began with a ninth-place finish at the Lisbon Half Marathon, followed by her recent fifth-place finish at the London Marathon.
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Cheruiyot shared that she is contemplating retirement in the near future. “I’m going to do some marathons, I don’t have much time to run, maybe one to two years, and then I will just put off my shoes and just relax,” she mentioned in an interview, signaling that her time as an athlete is nearing its end. Despite this, she emphasized that she still wanted to compete in a few more races before calling it quits.
Cheruiyot’s performance at the London Marathon this year was a significant achievement, particularly given her previous experience at the event. In 2020, she had to withdraw from the race, but this year, she finished fifth, an accomplishment she was extremely proud of. She had also previously enjoyed a successful run at the London Marathon, winning in 2018 and finishing fourth in 2017.
Reflecting on her experience at the 2025 edition of the race, Cheruiyot expressed satisfaction with her performance. “I’m so happy with the position that I got today,” she said. “I got this chance to come to London at the last minute, and I want to appreciate London for giving me that opportunity.” Despite being part of the second pack, Cheruiyot felt she made the right decision. She explained that the first group was targeting a world record, which she felt was beyond her reach. Sticking with the second pack, she said, was the best strategy for her given the circumstances.
Cheruiyot’s decision to compete in London came about after a last-minute invitation. Initially, she had been preparing for the Hamburg Marathon, which was scheduled to take place on the same day. However, when the opportunity to run in London arose, she canceled her plans for Hamburg and made the quick adjustment to participate in the London race. This decision proved to be rewarding, as she was able to deliver a strong performance and further cement her legacy in the sport.
As she looks toward the final stages of her career, Cheruiyot remains a beacon of resilience, determination, and excellence in the world of athletics. Despite the looming prospect of retirement, she continues to inspire athletes and fans alike, showing that with hard work and dedication, it is possible to maintain a high level of performance, even as the years go by. Her legacy in long-distance running is solidified, and her final years in the sport will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the enduring spirit of competition.
