Eliud Kipchoge is an athlete who achieved global recognition as the greatest marathon runner in history after becoming the first human to run the distance in under two hours.
His performance in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna solidified his status as a sporting icon, breaking a barrier that many scientists previously considered impossible.
Beyond this exhibition, he has dominated the major marathon circuit for over a decade, securing multiple Olympic gold medals and setting official world records that redefined the limits of human endurance.
His transition from a successful track career to the roads was seamless, and he is now regarded as a philosopher-athlete whose disciplined approach to training and life has influenced millions of people across the globe.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Eliud Kipchoge
- Nickname: Eliud Kipchoge
- Date of Birth: November 5, 1984
- Age: 41 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of Birth: Kapsisiywa, Nandi District, Kenya
- Nationality: Kenyan
- Profession: Long-distance runner
- Height: 1.67 m
- Weight: 52 kg
- Eye Color: Black
- Hair Color: Black
- Parents: Janet Rotich (Mother), Father deceased
- Siblings: N/A
- Spouse: Grace Sugutt
- Children: Lynne Kipchoge, Griffin Kipchoge, Jordon Kipchoge
- Relationship Status: Married
- Religion: Christian
- Ethnicity: Kalenjin
- Net Worth: $10,000,000
Early Life and Education
Eliud Kipchoge is now at the age of 41 and was born on November 5, 1984. He was raised in the small village of Kapsisiywa in the Nandi Highlands, where he was the youngest of four children.
His mother, Janet Rotich, worked as a nursery school teacher, while his father passed away when Eliud was very young, leaving him with few memories of him.
Growing up in a Kalenjin household, he lived a modest life, often running two miles to school every day, which inadvertently built the foundation for his athletic career.
He attended Kaptel Secondary School, where he graduated in 1999. Unlike many professional athletes who pursue sports immediately, he spent some time collecting and selling milk to help his family before he began training seriously under the guidance of his mentor, Patrick Sang, in 2001.
Personal Life
Eliud Kipchoge’s personal life is centered on his family and his training camp in Kaptagat.
He is married to Grace Sugutt, whom he met through her brother, who was a childhood friend and fellow athlete.
The couple tied the knot in a traditional ceremony and have three children together: Lynne, Griffin, and Jordon.
Career
Eliud Kipchoge’s career began on the track, where he first shocked the world by winning the 5,000-meter gold medal at the 2003 World Championships at just eighteen years old.
After winning bronze and silver medals at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics respectively, he transitioned to road racing in 2012.
He won his debut marathon in Hamburg in 2013 and went on a historic winning streak, claiming victories at the London, Berlin, and Chicago marathons.
He won back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the marathon at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. In 2018, he set an official world record of 2:01:39 in Berlin, which he later lowered to 2:01:09 in 2022.
His career is defined by his consistency and his belief that “no human is limited,” a mantra that has guided his longevity at the elite level of the sport.
Awards
- IAAF World Athlete of the Year (2018)
- IAAF World Athlete of the Year (2019)
- Best Male Athlete, ANOC Awards (2021)
- Princess of Asturias Award for Sports (2023)
- Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (2019)
Net Worth
Eliud Kipchoge’s net worth is estimated at $10,000,000. He earned his fortune through substantial prize money from World Marathon Majors and significant appearance fees.
Controversy
Eliud Kipchoge has maintained a largely scandal-free career, but he faced a period of intense online harassment in early 2024.
Following the tragic death of world record holder Kelvin Kiptum in a car accident, baseless conspiracy theories circulated on social media, leading to threats against Kipchoge and his family.
He addressed these rumors with deep sadness, noting the emotional toll it took on his children and his training.
Additionally, he has occasionally faced criticism from traditionalists regarding the use of advanced carbon-plate shoe technology, which some argue provides an unfair advantage, though he has always competed within the official regulations of World Athletics.
Social Media
- Instagram: @kipchogeeliud
- X: @eliudkipchoge
Filmography
- Kipchoge: The Last Milestone (2021)