Eliud Kipchoge’s Final Marathon Signals the Death of Athletic Records in a World That Favors Spectacle Over Achievement
Eliud Kipchoge’s career is nothing short of remarkable. The Kenyan marathoner, often hailed as the greatest of all time, officially concluded his illustrious journey with a bittersweet 17th place finish at the New York City Marathon. This event marked not just an end, but a reflective moment on the evolution of athletics and the nature of record-setting in modern sports.
Kipchoge’s accolades serve as a testament to his dominance in the field. Winning two Olympic gold medals—one in Rio in 2016 and another in Tokyo in 2020—he transformed from a 5K specialist to a marathon phenomenon, rewriting the history books with every stride. His incredible achievement at the Ineos 1:59 challenge, where he clocked 1:59:40 in a controlled setting, stands as a bold yet controversial claim to fame. Despite the fact that this performance was not recognized as a formal record due to the specific conditions of the event, it underscored Kipchoge’s extraordinary abilities and the allure of breaking barriers in sports.
The thrill of record-breaking has increasingly become a focal point within athletics—an almost religious pursuit for fans and athletes alike. Kipchoge’s quest for greatness is intertwined with the ongoing dialogue about what it means to be the best. His 11 World Marathon major victories across cities like Chicago, Tokyo, London, and Berlin further solidify his legacy, making his retirement a significant chapter in the annals of athletic history.
Kipchoge’s final race was celebrated not only for his past glories but also for the infectious spirit he brought to the sport. He is well-remembered for his visit to Tottenham Hotspur’s training center during the Victor Wanyama era in 2018, where a meeting between two Kenyan icons captured the hearts of many fans. This connection between football and athletics symbolizes a larger narrative around community, culture, and the global sports ecosystem, illustrating how lines can blur between disciplines.
As he looks ahead, Kipchoge’s ambition to embark on an “Eliud Kipchoge World Tour” by running marathons on all seven continents highlights a commitment not only to his craft but also to philanthropy. His initiative aims to “unite the world through running,” focusing on raising funds for education and environmental projects, thus weaving another layer of purpose into his legacy. This call to action appears as a response to a world facing myriad challenges, utilizing his fame and success as a platform for greater good.
In contrast to Kipchoge’s graceful ascendance and exit from the marathon scene, the current state of football—specifically regarding Tottenham Hotspur—has encountered tumult. The recent remarks by Spurs’ interim manager Ryan Mason about the team’s struggles indicate a need for introspection and change within the club. The contrast between Kipchoge’s uplifting story and Spurs’ challenges raises questions about leadership, accountability, and the responsibilities that accompany sporting success.
The debate surrounding the recognition of records and the structures in place to govern them is indicative of a broader cultural shift in sports. Kipchoge’s unparalleled achievements provoke reflection on the future of records in an age where spectacle often overshadows authentic competition. The implications are profound: as the lines between experimental feats and traditional records blur, the essence of sportsmanship might be at stake.
Concurrently, as sports fans grapple with these themes, the emotional ties to athletes like Kipchoge create a sense of connection that transcends disciplines. The legacy of Kipchoge is not merely about times and victories; it encapsulates a journey reflecting hard work, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to aspire for greatness, regardless of the environment.
The contrast between Kipchoge’s soaring legacy and the current struggles of Tottenham Hotspur could serve as a metaphor for the unpredictability of sports. While one athlete’s stellar achievements shine brightly, another’s efforts face harsh realities, prompting discussions about expectations, standards, and what it means to be successful in sports today.
As Kipchoge takes his well-earned place in history, the conversation about athletics continues to evolve. His life and achievements challenge the future generation of athletes to not only strive for personal excellence but to also use their platforms for change, echoing a sentiment that resonates far beyond the distance of a marathon. The route ahead for Kipchoge is uncertain, yet the impact of his career will undoubtedly inspire countless others to lace up their running shoes and chase their dreams, whether on the track, the pitch, or beyond.
What a career it’s been for Eliud Kipchoge.
The Kenyan runner, the greatest marathoner of all time, ran his final marathon major this Sunday at the New York City Marathon. He finished 17th.
His storied career could be best defined as a two-time Olympic champion, winning the gold medal in 2016 and 2020 Games after changing disciplines from the 5K.
He was also the subject of a unique experiment: the Ineos 1:59 challenge to run a marathon in under 2 hours – a feat that’s never been done before. Kipchoge finished the 2019 run in 1:59:40, although the greater running authorities do not officially recognise it as a record because of how the event was structured.
He also won 11 World Marathon majors (one in Chicago, one in Tokyo, four in London and five in Berlin) in an astonishing accomplishment.
Kipchoge is also an incredible sportsman, and it was a richly deserving send-off he received in New York.
If you’ve never followed running but feel like you might’ve heard the name Eliud Kipchoge somewhere, maybe it’s because you might remember his visit to Tottenham Hotspur in 2018.
Kipchoge visited the Spurs training centre during the Victor Wanyama era shortly after he won the London Marathon. It was fun to see the two Kenyans have a chance to connect at the time.
What’s next for Kipchoge? The Kenyan marathoner said his next goal is to run seven marathons on all seven continents over the next two years, which he is calling the “Eliud Kipchoge World Tour”. Kipchoge said that he intends to “unite the world through running”, with each stop on the world tour raising funds for his foundation that supports education and environmental projects.
No idea yet on which of these marathons Kipchoge decides to run, but I’ll be watching closely.
Fitzie’s track of the day:Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, by The Beatles
And now for your links:
The Athletic ($$): “Micky van de Ven and a goal like no other: ‘It was Messi transformed into a centre-back’”
BBC: “Spurs support Udogie after alleged gun threat”
The Independent: “Red card and wondergoal sum up best and worst of Tottenham in Thomas Frank rebuild”
Alasdair Gold: “Thomas Frank hits back at Jamie Carragher and explains why Micky van de Ven is like Lionel Messi”
Express & Star: “’I take responsibility … we’ve lost too many games’ – Ryan Mason owns up to struggling West Brom goal-shy form”