Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of his life. Speaking during a talk with Engage, he revealed that only a handful of people stood by him during the online backlash that followed the death of fellow athlete Kevin Kiptum. Kiptum died in 2024 in a road accident after he lost control of his vehicle, which struck a tree after veering off the road shortly after his world record time of 2:00:35 was ratified. A third passenger in the vehicle survived with injuries.
Eliud Kipchoge's Illustrious Career
Eliud Kipchoge is widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time. Born on November 5, 1984, in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, he began his career as a track athlete, winning gold in the 5000 meters at the 2003 World Championships and later at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics (bronze and silver respectively). He transitioned to marathons in 2013 and quickly dominated the event. He won the London Marathon four times (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), the Berlin Marathon four times (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), and set the world record in 2018 with 2:01:39. In 2019, he became the first person to run a marathon under two hours (1:59:40) in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, though it was not an official record due to controlled conditions. He also won Olympic gold in 2016 and 2021 and set the official world record again in 2022 with 2:01:09, later broken by Kelvin Kiptum.
The Tragic Death of Kevin Kiptum
Kevin Kiptum was a rising star in the marathon world. Born on December 2, 1999, he burst onto the scene with a sensational debut at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, running 2:01:53. He followed up with a win at the 2023 London Marathon in 2:01:25, the second-fastest time ever, and then shattered Kipchoge's world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon with an astonishing 2:00:35. Many expected him to become the first person to officially break the two-hour barrier in a record-eligible race. However, on February 11, 2024, Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a road accident in Kenya. The news sent shockwaves through the athletics community, and an outpouring of grief followed. Kipchoge, as the previous record holder, faced a wave of online criticism and conspiracy theories, with some suggesting he was somehow involved or that he did not show enough empathy. The backlash was intense, and Kipchoge found himself isolated.
Kipchoge's Reflection on Friendship
During the talk, Kipchoge disclosed that despite having millions of followers on social media, very few people reached out to him when he became the subject of online criticism. "I have over three million followers, but when everything was going on in social media, very few called me or came to my camp," he said. Kipchoge added that even within his own training camp, only a small number of people openly supported him. "We even have over 30 people in my camp, but only about 15% were with me. The rest were just scared," he revealed. He encouraged people to build genuine friendships, saying the true value of relationships is revealed during challenging times. "Don't underestimate yourself. Get two or three friends who can provide real solutions when real problems come," he said. Drawing from the experience, the marathon icon urged people to surround themselves with honest and dependable friends. "So surround yourself with the right people—those who can applaud you when you are doing the right thing and those who can correct you when you are doing the wrong thing. Surround yourself with someone who tells you the real truth in this world," he advised. Kipchoge emphasized that social media followers are not necessarily friends, and that true support comes from a small, trustworthy circle. This insight resonates with many public figures who face online harassment and realize the difference between virtual validation and real-world loyalty.
Advice for Gen Z and Young People
Kipchoge also had a message for Kenya's young people, encouraging them to avoid unnecessary conflict while remaining committed to building a better future. "Gen Z, run away from trouble if you can. Let us all own this country because all of us have a title, but the only way to hold it is to fight for your space," he said. He stressed the importance of staying focused and not falling prey to negative influences. Kipchoge's own life story—from humble beginnings in a small village to becoming a global icon—serves as an inspiration for young people. He often speaks about discipline, hard work, and the power of a positive mindset. His advice extends beyond athletics, touching on financial literacy, education, and the importance of building a supportive community.
Grace Sugut's Marathon Debut
In other news, marathoner Eliud Kipchoge's wife, Grace Sugut Kipchoge, first participated in athletics in Cape Town after trailing Ethiopia's Heseiyidin Mohamed ESA. Kipchoge shadowed the lead pack. However, he slipped off pace after the 10‑kilometre mark and ran alone throughout the remaining race. Kipchoge thanked everyone for their support, including his wife. He stated that he was overwhelmed with pride after Sugut completed her first marathon. He also stated that he had been running for over twelve years. The couple's partnership is a testament to mutual support, and Grace's decision to take up competitive running at a relatively later stage underscores the importance of perseverance. Kipchoge often credits his wife and family for his success, noting that they provide stability and encouragement. This event also highlights the growing participation of Kenyan women in marathons, with more athletes emerging from the country's rich running culture.
Kipchoge's openness about the fallout after Kiptum's death and his reflections on friendship, combined with his ongoing commitment to inspiring others, reaffirms his status as a role model. His message to Gen Z is particularly relevant in an era of social media scrutiny and societal pressure. The pressure of expectations, both from the public and from within his own camp, has taught him the value of authenticity. He remains focused on his training and his mission to show that no human is limited. As he continues to train for future marathons, Kipchoge's legacy extends beyond records: it lies in his ability to confront adversity with grace and to share hard-earned wisdom with the world.
Source:MSN News