In a surprising turn of events at the 2025 London Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time finished in sixth place. This was a rare sight for fans who have long been accustomed to seeing the Kenyan icon dominate the 42.195-kilometer distance with ease and elegance.
Kipchoge, who turned 40 last year, clocked a time of 2:06:55, a performance that, while still remarkable by any standard, fell short of his own towering legacy of world records and multiple Olympic gold medals. The race was eventually won by Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma, who broke the tape in a stunning 2:03:25.
Speaking after the race, Kipchoge remained philosophical and gracious:
“This is the beauty of sport sometimes you win, sometimes you learn. I gave it my best, and today, the results were what they were. I congratulate the winners and look forward to my next challenge,” he said, smiling through the fatigue.
Observers noted that Kipchoge looked strong in the early stages, staying comfortably within the leading pack. However, around the 30-kilometer mark, he appeared to struggle slightly, losing contact with the leaders as the race entered its decisive phase. Still, Kipchoge’s determination and discipline were evident as he battled to the finish, crossing the line with characteristic dignity.
Kipchoge’s sixth-place finish reignites conversation about the future of his illustrious career. Yet if history has shown anything, it is that Kipchoge’s greatness extends beyond any single race result. His revolutionary sub-two-hour marathon achievement in Vienna in 2019 and his steadfast philosophy that “no human is limited” have already secured his place among the all-time legends of sport.
Fans around the world continue to express admiration and support for Kipchoge, celebrating not only his victories but also his grace in adversity. Whether this race signals a winding down of his competitive career or simply a minor setback remains to be seen. If there’s anything certain, it’s that Eliud Kipchoge’s impact on the sport and on millions of aspiring runners globally will endure far beyond the finish line.
