Eliud Kipchoge: Chasing History at the Paris Olympics

Eliud Kipchoge is no stranger to leading from the front. The 39-year-old Kenyan superstar is gearing up for another historic attempt at the upcoming Paris Olympics – one that could cement his legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all time.

On Saturday, August 10th, 2024, Kipchoge will take to the streets of Paris in pursuit of an unprecedented third consecutive Olympic marathon title. If successful, he will become the first person in history to achieve such a feat, surpassing the accomplishments of legendary runners like Abebe Bikila and Waldemar Cierpinski.

“I want to go into history books, to be the first human being to win back-to-back-to-back,” Kipchoge said in a recent interview. The Kenyan’s drive for immortality is palpable, as he seeks to etch his name alongside the sport’s all-time greats.

Kipchoge’s quest for glory will not come easy, however. In addition to fending off a field of younger, up-and-coming competitors, the veteran will have to contend with the challenging conditions that await him in the French capital.

Last week, Paris experienced a heatwave, with temperatures soaring into the mid-30s Celsius. Kipchoge acknowledged the daunting task ahead, stating, “Even by eight, nine, 10, in the morning, I think it will go up to 30 degrees. It is tough to run a full marathon [in] 30 degrees.”

The course itself presents its own unique challenges, with roughly 40% of the route featuring hilly terrain. The route will climb to a peak of 183 meters on the road to Versailles before a sharper ascent to 172 meters before the 30-kilometer mark. Kipchoge has been adjusting his training regime to prepare for these grueling conditions, often running at the hottest parts of the day to acclimate his body.

Kipchoge’s pursuit of history is the culmination of a remarkable career that has spanned two decades. The Kenyan first burst onto the global stage in 2003, winning the 5,000-meter gold medal at the World Championships in Paris at just 18 years old.

“This Olympics is special for me, happening in Paris where I started my life in sport,” Kipchoge reflected. “It’s the genesis of me going to the global arena to run, being on the start line with really experienced people and getting exposure.”

In the years that followed, Kipchoge has established himself as one of the most dominant and consistent distance runners of his generation. His longevity and success are a testament to his unwavering dedication and discipline.

“Being self-disciplined, consistent and respecting the sport” has been the key to Kipchoge’s longevity, he said. Now, as he approaches the twilight of his career, he is poised to cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Even as Kipchoge chases his own place in history, his broader ambitions extend far beyond personal accolades. The Kenyan superstar has a lofty goal of inspiring a global running revolution, where families around the world embrace running as a way of life.

“If you can tell me the world has become a running world I will retire,” Kipchoge declared. “I want all families to make running their lifestyle; wake up in the morning, wear shoes, get out of the door and run and come back. That’s what I need.”

In a fitting tribute to Kipchoge’s vision, the Paris 2024 Olympics will feature a unique opportunity for the public to experience the magic of the marathon. In the hours after the elite men’s race, 20,024 runners will have the chance to trace the steps of the world’s best, running the same course as the Olympians.

“It will be the first marathon for normal people to run as Olympians, although they will not consider them as Olympians,” Kipchoge said. “But they will give them a chance to run to celebrate humanity and the Olympics.”

As Eliud Kipchoge prepares to take center stage in Paris, the weight of history rests firmly on his shoulders. The Kenyan is well aware that this may be his final Olympic appearance, with the 2028 Games in Los Angeles a distant possibility.

“I think I’ll be in the benches watching people, if all goes well, in Los Angeles [in 2028],” Kipchoge conceded. “Running the last Olympics doesn’t mean I’m quitting running. I love the sport.”

Regardless of the outcome, Kipchoge’s legacy is already secure. He has inspired countless individuals around the world to lace up their running shoes and pursue their own athletic dreams. And if he can achieve the unthinkable and secure a third consecutive Olympic marathon title, he will cement his place as one of the greatest athletes in the history of the sport.

“I think I’ll be a happy person at heart when I win a gold medal,” Kipchoge said. “That means history will be written.”