Eliud Kipchoge was born on November 5, 1984, in Kapsisiywa, Nandi County, Kenya. Kipchoge has lived up to his mantra, No Human is Limited.
He grew up in a rural community, where he developed an interest in athletics and started running at a young age. Kipchoge’s journey to becoming one of the best marathon runners of all time is marked by determination, hard work, and an unwavering focus on his goals.
While specific details about Kipchoge’s family life are not extensively publicized, it is known that he comes from a humble background. Like many Kenyan athletes, he faced the challenges of poverty and a lack of an enabling environment to nurture his athletics career. He used to run a distance of six kilometres to school daily, and that’s how his journey to becoming a professional athlete began.
Though overflowing with athletic talent, rural Kenya lacks sporting facilities where youth can train and sharpen skills to take on the world. In recent years there have been concerted efforts by central and county governments to promote sporting activities and invest in sporting facilities to promote different sports disciplines, especially athletics and football.
Inside Eliud Kipchoge’s multi-million shilling farming business
Kipchoge emerged as a promising talent in long-distance running as a teenager. He gained attention for his performances in cross-country events and gradually transitioned to road racing. In 2003, he won the junior race at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, marking his entry into the world stage and a desire to conquer and dominate long distances.
As Kipchoge progressed in his career, he focused on the marathon, where he found outstanding success. He made his marathon debut in 2013 at the Hamburg Marathon, triumphing in the race with an impressive time. From there, he continued to excel in major marathon events around the world.
One of the defining moments of Kipchoge’s career was here in 2016 whilst he gained the Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the Rio Olympics. This victory solidified his status as one of the best marathon runners of his generation.
Eliud Kipchoge Wins Sh 7.4m Princess of Asturias Award for Sports
Similar to his Olympic success, Kipchoge made records in 2018 when he set a new world record for the men’s marathon at the Berlin Marathon, completing the race in a staggering time of 2:01:39. He further cemented his legacy using protecting his Olympic title in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Throughout his career, Kipchoge has been recognized for his humility, discipline, and determination to his craft. He often speaks about the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, serving as an inspiration to aspiring athletes around the world.
Outstanding athletics achievements
- Olympic achievement: Kipchoge won the Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the 2016 Rio Olympics, finishing with a time of 2:08:44. He efficiently defended his name at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, winning the marathon at 2:08:38.
- World Report Holder: Kipchoge set the current World Record for the men’s marathon on September 16, 2018, at the Berlin Marathon, with a time of 2:01:39. This time shattered the preceding record by over a minute and solidified his repute as one of the greatest marathoners in history.
- Sub-2-Hour Marathon: this is not an official world record time because it was not sanctioned or managed by athletics governing bodies, Kipchoge made history on October 12, 2019, by becoming the first person to run a marathon in below two hours. He finished the INEOS 1:59 assignment in Vienna, Austria, with a time of 1:59:40.
- Multiple major world marathon wins: Kipchoge has won numerous major marathons around the world, including the London Marathon (which he has received multiple times), the Berlin Marathon, and the Chicago Marathon.
- Consistency: Throughout his career, Kipchoge has displayed great consistency in his performances, rarely finishing outside the top positions in the races he competes in.
Kipchoge is not only celebrated for his extraordinary athletic ability but also for his humility, sportsmanship, and dedication to his craft. He continues to inspire runners around the world with his remarkable achievements and his approach to the sport of long-distance running.
Business ventures
Eliud Kipchoge is known for his remarkable achievements in athletics and has also ventured into various business endeavours outside of running. However, he keeps the details about his businesses and wealth private. However, Kipchoge’s net worth is estimated at USD 6.5 million taking into account his athletics winning, sponsorships, business ventures and speaking engagements.
Endorsements
1. Nike
One of the notable business ventures Kipchoge has been associated with is his partnership with sports apparel business enterprise Nike. He has been sponsored by Nike throughout his professional running career, and he has been featured prominently in their marketing campaigns.
2. Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Limited Special D-Max Edition
Isuzu East Africa partnered with Kipchoge in 2018 and launched the Limited edition of Isuzu D-Max model dubbed “Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Limited Special D-Max Edition” double cabin pickup in honour of the legendary marathoner.
3. PHANTOM X2 series
TECNO Mobile Kenya, a leading smartphone of the new generation has announced Kenyan two-time Olympic champion, Eliud Kipchoge EGH as the brand ambassador for its upcoming flagship model PHANTOM X2 series at GTC (Global Trade Centre), the Tallest landmark complex in East Africa.
4. Mozilla Africa Mradi Programme Ambassador
Global tech giant Mozilla Corporation has today signed double Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, EGH as a brand ambassador for the Mozilla Africa Mradi Programme. The Mozilla Africa Mradi and The Eliud Kipchoge Foundation will collaborate with the renowned marathon runner to promote a reading culture among Kenyan youth through Pocket.
Isuzu unveils the Eliud Kipchoge 1:59 Limited special D-Max
Kipchoge the farmer
Kipchoge ventured into farming in 2013, choosing to keep dairy cows in Uasin Gishu County and grow tea in Nandi County. As a teenager, he recalled walking and cycling from Kapsisiywa to Kapsabet town to sell milk at the local market. Coming from a community that values the rearing of cows and growing of tea, these two ventures made sense to him.
Speaking engagements
Additionally, Kipchoge built a reputation as a public speaker undertaking notable speaking engagements where he shares his experiences and insights. His choice topics include motivation, perseverance, and achieving success. Besides the earnings he makes from these speaking engagements, Kipchoge is happy to inspire youth, fellow athletes and world leaders to do and become better. From a business perspective, the business front, he is establishing a business that will continue post his active athletics career.
Charity
Kipchoge has been involved in initiatives aimed at promoting sports, especially running, and supporting the youth in Kenya. He has collaborated with various organizations and brands on projects related to sports development, community engagement, and charity work.
On September 9, 2021, Kipchoge launched the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation. Through the foundation, he hopes to give all children in the world access to knowledge and education.
“My mission is to give all children in the world access to knowledge and education. I want those children to grow up into healthy adults in a green and breathing world where forests keep our people safe. I hope to contribute and grow the movement in education and environmental protection through my Foundation, to reach the people in the world with my voice. To raise awareness and to raise finances to build libraries, schools, forests. I was lucky in my life to have access to books and knowledge from a young age. It taught me to value life.”
he posted on his Instagram page.