Legendary marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, has announced the start of a global running tour, declaring:

“What I am doing is not retiring. I am evolving. I am running for purpose.”

The 41-year-old Kenyan Olympic champion, whose career includes two Olympic golds, a world title, 11 World Marathon Major victories, and two official world records, plans to run a marathon on all seven continents over the next two and a half years.

---

From Records to Purpose

Kipchoge, who famously broke the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna in 2019 with an unofficial time of 1:59:40, says his focus has shifted from chasing medals to inspiring others:

“I want to compete not only for records, but for the people. I want to inspire, give back, and remind everyone that no human is limited.”

His Eliud Kipchoge World Tour, operating under his platform Eliud’s Running World, aims to combine elite athletics with philanthropy. Each marathon stop will raise approximately $1 million (£739,000) for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, supporting initiatives in education, health, and environmental sustainability.

In Kenya alone, Kipchoge envisions building libraries in all 47 counties. Across other cities, he intends for the tour to leave lasting tangible benefits, not just memories.

---

Pushing Limits Across the Globe

From the extreme cold of Antarctica to urban marathons, Kipchoge emphasizes the symbolic power of his challenges:

“It is about pushing your limits. I want to show the world that you can still push your limits in anything, even in the toughest conditions.”

Despite his competitive fire, he maintains a clear perspective on life and sport:

“Life is about pressing on. The moment you stop pressing, it is no longer life.”

---

Advocating for Athlete Welfare

Kipchoge has also become a vocal advocate for athlete protection, criticizing the lack of support for aspiring competitors:

“The sports world is making huge profits, but very little goes to the athlete… young people want a better life, but nobody protects them.”

He highlighted the case of Kenyan runner Evans Kibet, who was reportedly lured into competitive promises only to be conscripted in a conflict, as an example of systemic failures affecting athletes.

“A diamond is just a stone. If it is crafted well, it becomes something valuable. If not, it remains just a stone.”

---

Role Model Beyond Athletics

Kipchoge emphasizes mentorship and education, extending his influence to other sports including boxing, judo, and rugby. He stresses discipline, work ethic, and long-term planning over glamour or quick success.

When asked about ideal jogging partners, he chose Barack Obama for his humanity and Cristiano Ronaldo for his relentless work ethic, underscoring the values he prizes: discipline, process, and purpose.

“I have nothing more to prove to the world. What I want now is to sell the spirit of running to the next generation.”

---

Kipchoge’s Legacy

• Olympic Gold Medals: 2 (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020)
• World Records: 2 official, 1 unofficial sub-2-hour marathon
• World Marathon Major Victories: 11
• Philanthropy: Eliud Kipchoge Foundation supporting education, health, and environment
• Global Initiative: Marathon on all seven continents over 2.5 years

The Eliud Kipchoge World Tour promises to redefine how elite athletes can use their platform to inspire and impact communities worldwide.