Down but not out: Eliud Kipchoge speaks after Boston Marathon loss

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge celebrating after winning the Berlin Marathon in Berlin, Germany in September 2022. [AP]

Eluid Kipchoge who was hoping to add a Boston Marathon victory to his unprecedented running resume, admitted that the 127th marathon outweighed his versatility and skills.

Kipchoge who went to Boston with seventeen (17) wins out of 19 in the marathon, finished sixth in two hours and 23 seconds which is the slowest he has ever been in his career.

The 38-year-old had hoped that he would have completed and registered a win in all six major marathon series by winning the Boston Marathon.

"Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes we must accept that today was not the day to push the barrier to a greater height. In sports, you win and lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge," he tweeted on Monday, April 17.

From his recent tweets before the race, Kipchoge appeared to be composed, confident, and ready to face the Boston Marathon. "In the past few days, I have discovered the city of Boston and I can say I truly enjoy being here. I really feel the energy of the people and it's great to experience and meet with the community." he wrote.

The greatest marathoner however lost to Evans Chebet who retained his title after finishing in two hours, five minutes, and 54 seconds (2:05:54).

Kipchoge congratulated his competitors and appreciated everyone who supported him.

"I want to congratulate my competitors and thank everyone in Boston and from home [Kenya] for the incredible support I have received."

He also hinted at going to defend his Olympics title for the second time at the Paris Summer Games next year saying that he is excited for what is ahead.

In his film The Last Milestone, which was featured on Netflix, Kipchoge talks about defeat saying that: "Marathon is life and it comes with its own up and downs. You win and lose and even with that, you have to believe in yourself. That is what makes you push and push again."

The 38-year-old has won two Olympic gold medals and four of the six major marathons holds course records in Tokyo (2:02:40), London (2:02:37) and Berlin (2:01:09).