Kipchoge eyes victory in London and NOC-K elections

Olympic marathon champion, Eliud Kipchoge (centre) in a training session in Kaptagat, Eldoret. [AFP] For former marathon record holder and the first man to run sub-two hours in 42km, Eliud Kipchoge, the 2024 Paris Olympics was all about the participation. After not finishing at the Paris Olympics, the marathon great is heading to London where he is set to battle for honours, once again on April 27. In the last four months, the two-time Olympic marathon champion has been preparing at his base in Kaptagat. At 40, he joins other legends in taking firm control of marathons alongside younger counterparts, who are also eying titles as they begin to decorate their wall cabinets with trophies. If performances of Kenyan legends such as two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat, 45, who was third at the 2024 Boston Marathon and Mark Kiptoo who recently savoured victory at the Zurich marathon aged 48 are anything to go by, then Kipchoge could just be at his prime, a section of athletics enthusiasts argue. In London, participation will take centre stage, but victory will be historic for Kipchoge, a man who has already won four titles there. In recent weeks, Kipchoge, through a series of social media posts, has indicated that he misses the cheers on the streets of London. From physical to mental preparations, Kipchoge trained even harder for the 2025 London Marathon. The legend who has represented Kenya to a historic five Olympic Games, which are 2004 Athens (bronze in 5000m), 2008 Beijing (silver in 5000m), 2016 Rio (gold in the marathon), 2020 Tokyo (gold in the marathon) and 2024 Paris, has recently demonstrated that he will not just participating, he is aiming at history. In typical philosophical remarks, Kipchoge has passionately talked about pushing himself to deliver the best. "Let us celebrate the joy of running and the collective spirit of thousands of runners coming together at the start line. It's a privilege to share this journey with all of you as we push ourselves to deliver our best performances," says Kipchoge. He goes on to say: "I must say that I have missed the sounds of the city (London), the heartbeat of the thousands of runners at the starting line and the cheers from the crowds." "I always say that nothing is stronger than a peaceful mind." He will be anchoring a stellar cast of Kenyans, including last year's champions Alexander Mutiso and Peres Jepchirchir to glory. Eliud Kipchoge and other athletes compete in the men's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on August 10, 2024. [AFP] Other Kenyan stars to watch in London are current world recorder Ruth Chepngetich and former champion Joyciline Jepkosgei who will be competing alongside Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands who has been preparing for the race in Iten, Kenya. Sensations, Sebastian Sawe, who won the Valencia Marathon last December and half marathon record breaker Jacob Kiplimo are among bigwigs eying victory on April 27. Again, for Kipchoge, Thursday, April 24, might be another special day back at home. He has been nominated by Athletics Kenya for the athletes' representative position in the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) elections scheduled for April 24. If he wins both the NOC-K election and London Marathon, then he will have written another chapter in his career. "I want to include every athlete in every federation for his or her own voice or to be heard in matters of education, in matters empowerment, in matters of holistic living. I think this is the right time, because I have been in sport for more than 20 years, and I need to give back to sport," Kipchoge said while accepting the nomination. According to the nominating body, Kipchoge has been one of the most prolific ambassadors of Kenyan athletics across the globe, having flown the country's flag high for over 20 years. His impressive CV in athletics endeared him to the federation, which found him the most suitable athlete to represent compatriots at the Olympic Committee. According to AK, Kipchoge's dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship have made him a role model for aspiring athletes not just in Kenya but across the world. AK president Jackson Tuwei said Kipchoge was nominated because he was a beacon in athletics. "Kipchoge is a beacon of athletics in our country and that is why we were honored to nominate him for the position. His achievements, from his early success in track to becoming the only person to run a marathon in under two hours, are a testament to his discipline and unwavering commitment," said Tuwei.

Kipchoge eyes victory in London and NOC-K elections

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