Running News Daily

One of the most anticipated starts in marathon history arrives this Sunday as Eliud Kipchoge, the two-time Olympic marathon champion and widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, makes his debut at the TCS New York City Marathon (NYC Marathon).

The Big Picture

At 40 years old, Kipchoge has already built an extraordinary legacy: Olympic gold medals in 2016 (Rio) and 2020 (Tokyo), a world-record marathon time of 2:01:09 in Berlin 2022, and a historic sub-2-hour marathon effort in Vienna 2019 (1:59:40 – though not ratified).

Yet until now, the NYC Marathon has been the elusive piece of the puzzle. By lining up this Sunday, Kipchoge will complete his set of the major Abbott World Marathon Majors (AWMM) if he crosses the finish line—it’s the only major marathon he has yet to run.

Why It Matters

• Legacy: Finishing NYC would give Kipchoge the coveted “six-star” AWMM medal for running all six of the premier majors.

• New challenge: The NYC course is markedly different from the flat, fast courses of Berlin or London. It’s undulating, uses bridges, and traverses the five boroughs—a true test of both physical and mental strength.

• Age and motivation: While Kipchoge remains in top shape, he acknowledges the impact of time and says this race is as much about meaning and experience as it is about finishing fast.

The Competition & Conditions

Kipchoge enters a stacked elite field. He’ll face defending champion Abdi Nageeye of the Netherlands, former NYC winners Evans Chebet and Albert Korir, and several rising stars with sub-2:04 personal bests.

What to Watch

• Will Kipchoge go for a bold win or focus on completing this final major?

• How will the unique challenges of NYC—bridges, hills, and roaring crowds—affect his pacing and strategy?

• Could this race mark the close of his competitive marathon career—or the beginning of a new chapter as ambassador and mentor?

Sunday’s race isn’t just another marathon for Eliud Kipchoge. It’s a long-awaited chapter in a legendary career—one that may see him conquer the final major, inspire millions, and reaffirm his enduring message: No human is limited.