Anyone see this? I guess not as no one is talking about it.
Olympics wrote:
But is he sure this is his final elite marathon? “Absolutely yes!” he answered firmly on his decision to step back from Marathon Major racing after November. “A lot is in store which I will roll out after New York…it will be an interesting journey...to do other things.” Running will play a major role in his life after, but in new and challenging surroundings. In this way, Kipchoge will continue using his platform to encourage more people to participate in the sport that gave him so much. “I will run even 50 kilometres in Saudi Arabia,” he shared.
The New York City Marathon on November 2 is likely to be Kipchoge's last World Marathon Major race. The Kenyan double Olympic champion gave Olympics.com a sneak peek at his future plans and also how he hopes to finish this ph...
Anyone see this? I guess not as no one is talking about it.
Olympics wrote:
But is he sure this is his final elite marathon? “Absolutely yes!” he answered firmly on his decision to step back from Marathon Major racing after November. “A lot is in store which I will roll out after New York…it will be an interesting journey...to do other things.” Running will play a major role in his life after, but in new and challenging surroundings. In this way, Kipchoge will continue using his platform to encourage more people to participate in the sport that gave him so much. “I will run even 50 kilometres in Saudi Arabia,” he shared.
Wow, I expected more festivities from his final marathon. It’s a big moment, even though his days winning Majors had already passed.
This guy has been on the top of the sport for more than 20 years. He was revered on this site just a few years ago. For some reason the mood has turned heavily against him ever since he lost the world record, and I’ve never quite understood why. Maybe just a new generation that didn’t see him take the marathon by storm starting around 2015.
You could spot his marathon career in half and have the two GOAT marathoners. You could split it into three and all three would be legends. And he had a decade on the track before he even started on the roads!
It’s the end of an era, for sure. We’ve seen other marathoners beat and come close to his times, but I expect it will be a long long time before anyone comes close to his level of sustained dominance. He’s past the point of being in contention to win New York, but I hope he runs well and has a send-off worthy of his magnificent career!
Anyone see this? I guess not as no one is talking about it.
Olympics wrote:
But is he sure this is his final elite marathon? “Absolutely yes!” he answered firmly on his decision to step back from Marathon Major racing after November. “A lot is in store which I will roll out after New York…it will be an interesting journey...to do other things.” Running will play a major role in his life after, but in new and challenging surroundings. In this way, Kipchoge will continue using his platform to encourage more people to participate in the sport that gave him so much. “I will run even 50 kilometres in Saudi Arabia,” he shared.
Definitely resets expectations for NYC. Some part of me still hoped he was in podium shape (especially in a middling men’s field) and/or was sick or had some minor niggles going into Sydney that have now left him. But it’s pretty clear now the rushed nature of the NYC entry is for WMM box checking purposes so he can move on to other things. I’m afraid Bekele might beat him by 5 minutes now 😅
Regardless, kudos to EK for not being cagey about it (like so many pro runners are). He’s earned the right to go out whenever and however he wants. Excited to see him in a 50k and for whatever comes next.
I asked Kipchoge about his comments to Olympics.com and whether NYC will really be his last elite marathon.
He didn't confirm or deny, but said he will make a huge announcement after the race on Sunday (clip below cued up to that exchange).
But I don't think he's retiring from elite marathons. I spoke to his agent Valentijn Trouw, and Trouw suggested it is likely Kipchoge will run a marathon somewhere in the elite field next year.
This guy has been on the top of the sport for more than 20 years. He was revered on this site just a few years ago. For some reason the mood has turned heavily against him ever since he lost the world record, and I’ve never quite understood why. Maybe just a new generation that didn’t see him take the marathon by storm starting around 2015.
I never had any specific feelings toward EK positive or negative. Even when he was setting world records, or doing the Breaking2 thing. I tuned in to watch him race, because at the time he was the best in the world and trying to break a world record. Same as I did with Mutai and Wanjiru. But since his Boston debacle, I no longer have any interest in paying attention to EK's races. He is no longer competitive nor will he be in the future. He is now in the twilight 'brand endorsement' phase while he still has some relevance. I wish him the best.
I asked Kipchoge about his comments to Olympics.com and whether NYC will really be his last elite marathon.
He didn't confirm or deny, but said he will make a huge announcement after the race on Sunday (clip below cued up to that exchange).
But I don't think he's retiring from elite marathons. I spoke to his agent Valentijn Trouw, and Trouw suggested it is likely Kipchoge will run a marathon somewhere in the elite field next year.
This guy has been on the top of the sport for more than 20 years. He was revered on this site just a few years ago. For some reason the mood has turned heavily against him ever since he lost the world record, and I’ve never quite understood why. Maybe just a new generation that didn’t see him take the marathon by storm starting around 2015.
I never had any specific feelings toward EK positive or negative. Even when he was setting world records, or doing the Breaking2 thing. I tuned in to watch him race, because at the time he was the best in the world and trying to break a world record. Same as I did with Mutai and Wanjiru. But since his Boston debacle, I no longer have any interest in paying attention to EK's races. He is no longer competitive nor will he be in the future. He is now in the twilight 'brand endorsement' phase while he still has some relevance. I wish him the best.
Good post. Was actually a bit turned off that he dropped out in Paris.
I asked Kipchoge about his comments to Olympics.com and whether NYC will really be his last elite marathon.
He didn't confirm or deny, but said he will make a huge announcement after the race on Sunday (clip below cued up to that exchange).
But I don't think he's retiring from elite marathons. I spoke to his agent Valentijn Trouw, and Trouw suggested it is likely Kipchoge will run a marathon somewhere in the elite field next year.
