Vienna, October 12, 2019 – Eliud Kipchoge isn’t just a marathoner; he’s a philosophical force redefining human potential, and he’s embarking on a global tour to prove it. The legendary runner, who famously became the first person to break the two-hour marathon barrier – completing the distance in 1:59:40 under special conditions – is launching “Eliud’s Running World,” a series of marathons designed to inspire participation and support vital causes.
Beyond the Finish Line: Kipchoge’s New Chapter
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Kipchoge’s ambitious tour blends athletic challenges with philanthropic goals, aiming to leave a lasting legacy of education and sustainability.
- Kipchoge’s tour, “Eliud’s Running World,” will combine marathon races with fundraising for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.
- The foundation focuses on education, environmental sustainability, and health initiatives worldwide.
- Kipchoge aims to raise $1 million (£739,000) at each marathon stop, tailoring projects to local needs.
- He views pushing physical limits, even in extreme conditions like Antarctica, as a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges.
“If I look at the last 23 years, the highlight was making history,” Kipchoge says. “Not winning medals, not even breaking world records, but opening the minds of people around the world to believe that they are not limited in anything they are doing.”
Kipchoge’s illustrious career already boasts Olympic titles, a world championship, 11 victories in World Marathon Majors, and two official world records. But for the Kenyan icon, these achievements are secondary to the broader message he hopes to convey. He believes his greatest impact isn’t measured in medals or times, but in the inspiration he provides to others.
A Platform for Positive Change
“Eliud’s Running World” isn’t simply about running races; it’s a long-term platform designed to promote running participation while simultaneously supporting global causes. Each marathon will serve as a fundraising event for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which is dedicated to education, environmental sustainability, and health.
Kipchoge has set an ambitious goal of raising $1 million (£739,000) at each event. The projects funded will be specifically tailored to address the unique needs of each location. In his native Kenya, Kipchoge envisions building libraries in all 47 counties. He emphasizes a desire to leave behind tangible benefits, not just fleeting memories.
“I want to leave a legacy of education,” Kipchoge explains. “There is knowledge in books. If we want to think with the outside world, we need to get knowledge and understand how other people are thinking.”
Pushing Boundaries, Inspiring Others
The tour will even venture into extreme environments, with a planned marathon in the frigid Antarctic cold. Kipchoge doesn’t view this as a mere stunt, but as a powerful statement about the limits of human potential. “It is about pushing your limits,” he says. “I want to show the world that you can still push your limits in anything, even in the toughest conditions.”
When questioned about whether he might be overextending himself, Kipchoge’s response is characteristically resolute. “Life is about pressing on,” he states firmly. “The moment you stop pressing, it is no longer life.”
