Countdown to Paris 2024 continues with Kipchoge marathon challenge

Marking 1,000 days to go, runners will set off chasing Kipchoge in a bid to cross the finishing line ahead of the long-distance running great. Up for grabs are spots in the mass participation marathon at Paris 2024. 

Could you outrun back-to-back Olympic gold marathon medallist Eliud Kipchoge?

That’s the challenge being put before runners selected to compete in a pursuit-style race on the Champs-Elysée in Paris later this month.

The event that will also mark 1,000 days to go before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, will see 2,000 members of the public attempt to run 5km faster than Kenya’s Kipchoge, the only person to have run a sub-two hour marathon time.

Participants will be divided up based on their ability with the slowest setting off first and fastest last. Kipchoge will then start last with a time penalty and attempt to catch whoever he can.

Those who finish the course ahead of reigning Olympic champion will be rewarded with a bib for Paris’ mass-participation marathon penned to take place on the same day, and on the same course, as the Olympic marathon race.

Such an experience will be an Olympic first and is tied to Paris’ ambition to bring the Games closer to the public than ever before.

“I am delighted to be heading to Paris 1,000 days before the start of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for a truly exceptional challenge,” Kipchoge said.

“Open to all, whatever their level, this unique race is a wonderful image of what running is about: accessible and open to everyone.

"On one of the most beautiful avenues in the world, I challenge you to not let me catch you!”

“I look forward to sharing this moment with you and inspiring you to run, give it your all, push your limits, before we see each other again in 2024.”

posted Thursday October 14th
by Chloe Merrell