Eliud Kipchoge
Eliud Kipchoge is one of the world’s fastest and most consistent marathon runners up to date, with his slowest run being a 2:09:23 in the 2023 Boston Marathon and holding the world record for the marathon for half a decade. None of this was given to him, as he had to earn it with decades of running experience, which we’ll look into.
Achievements:
Kipchoge has built up quite the marathon career, which still continues to this day. Below are a few examples of his marathon times:
2014 Rotterdam Marathon - 2:05:00 (1st place)
2015 Berlin Marathon - 2:04:00 (1st place)
2015 London Marathon - 2:04:42 (1st place)
2016 London Marathon - 2:03:05 (1st place)
2017 Berlin Marathon - 2:03:32 (1st place)
2018 London Marathon - 2:04:17 (1st place)
2018 Berlin Marathon - 2:01:39 (1st place)
2019 Virgin Money London Marathon - 2:02:37 (1st place)
2022 BMW Berlin Marathon - 2:01:09 (1st place)
2023 London Marathon - 2:02:42 (1st place)
2023 Boston Marathon - 2:09:23 (6th place)
Although not considered an official world record, Eliud Kipchoge also holds the title of the first human ever to break the 2-hour barrier in the marathon. This occurred during the Ineous 1:59 Challenge Marathon (held in 2019), where Kipchoge achieved a blazing time of 1:59:40.2.
Running Background:
While boasting the most impressive career in human history for a male marathon runner, it doesn’t come without time, effort, and unrelenting dedication. Although he did not start as a marathon runner, he was always a long distance runner. Kipchoge started going on runs in middle school to school and back. He practiced more and more into his early adult years; it was at this point that he sought to compete in the 5000 meter dash. He was very successful in this event, winning world championships as well as getting bronze/silver medals in the 2004 and 2008 Olympics. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until 2012 that Eliud Kipchoge had his eyes set on becoming an elite marathon runner.
Training Regimen:
Eliud Kipchoge works closely with his coach, Patrick Sang, another well-known Kenyan Distance Runner. Kipchoge typically undergoes an 80-20 training regimen, meaning 80% easy runs followed by 20% hard runs. His workouts are never back to back, but rather spaced apart to allow for recovery. In a week, Kipchoge typically does the following:
200-220 kilometers weekly mileage
High-intensity training (twice a week)
Track sessions (Tuesdays)
Fartlek sessions (Saturdays)
Speed sessions at the end of the week
One long run (biweekly)
Of course, Kipchoge recognizes the importance of recovery, which can be seen through the spacing of his high-intensity training sessions. Eliud Kipchoge also acknowledges that he needs to recover daily, getting a healthy seven to nine hours of sleep daily. He also includes a midday nap to recover from runs.
What He’s Looking Forward To:
Although recently having his world record for the marathon shattered by fellow Kenyan runner Kelvin Kiptum, Kipchoge plans to continue his running career. He’s currently preparing for the Paris Olympics, which will kick off in the summer of 2024. No matter what happens, Eliud Kipchoge has already solidified himself as a prominent figure in the long-distance scene and will forever be remembered as a legendary marathon runner.
Sources:
“Eliud Kipchoge: Profile: World Athletics.” Worldathletics.Org, worldathletics.org/athletes/kenya/eliud-kipchoge-14208194. Accessed 20 Apr. 2024.
OlympicTalk. “Eliud Kipchoge Considers Boston Marathon Return after Leg Issue in Debut.” NBC Sports, NBC Sports, 18 Apr. 2023, www.nbcsports.com/olympics/news/eliud-kipchoge-boston-marathon-olympics#:~:text=Eliud%20Kipchoge%20said%20he%20developed,anymore%2C%E2%80%9D%20he%20said%20Tuesday.
“Eliud Kipchoge.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 20 Apr. 2024, www.britannica.com/biography/Eliud-Kipchoge.
Eliud Kipchoge’s Revolutionary Training Methods: How the Olympic Champion’s Slow Runs Have Made Him the Fastest, olympics.com/en/news/eliud-kipchoge-marathon-revolutionary-training-methods. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.
Athletics - Eliud Kipchoge Timetable and Preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympics, olympics.com/en/news/eliud-kipchoge-timetable-and-preparation-for-the-paris-2024-olympics. Accessed 21 Apr. 2024.