Kipchoge initially focused on track events but switched to road running in 2012 due to a hamstring injury. He ran his first competitive marathon in Hamburg, Germany, in 2013. His decision to pursue running professionally was driven by a desire to fund his education in human resource management at Halifax College in Eldoret, Kenya.

Training and Coaching

Kipchoge trains rigorously, running between 200 and 230 kilometres each week. He is part of the NN Running Team based in the Netherlands. His coaching team includes Richard Metto at the national level and Patrick Sang as his personal coach since 2002.

Achievements and Awards

Kipchoge's list of accolades is extensive. In 2019, he was named the BBC World Sport Star of the Year and received the Exceptional Achievement Award at the Laureus World Sports Awards. He also set a marathon world record at the 2018 Berlin Marathon.

He was named the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Male Athlete of the Year in 2018 and Best Male Marathon Runner by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) in 2015 and 2018. Additionally, he has been honoured with Kenya's Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart.

Sub-Two Hour Marathon

In October 2019, Kipchoge became the first athlete to run a marathon in under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna, Austria. Although this achievement did not count as an official record due to non-race conditions, it remains a significant milestone.

Shoe Debate

Kipchoge's use of Nike 'Alphafly' shoes during his sub-two hour marathon sparked debate over their fairness. However, Kipchoge believes that personal focus and professionalism are more crucial than footwear. He likened this to Formula One racing, where despite similar equipment, only a few drivers consistently win.

Personal Life and Interests

Kipchoge is married to Grace Sugut and has three children: sons Gordon Kiprop and Graffins Kiprono, and daughter Lynne Jebet. He enjoys reading and supports Tottenham Hotspur football team. Known as "The Philosopher," he keeps detailed notebooks of his training sessions and insights from books he reads.

Influences and Philosophy

Patrick Sang has been a significant influence on Kipchoge's career. Sang was not only his neighbour but also someone Kipchoge admired from a young age. Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrselassie is another of his idols. Kipchoge's sporting philosophy is that athletics is about heart and mind as much as it is about physical ability.

Injuries

Kipchoge faced several injuries throughout his career. In 2012, a hamstring injury led him to switch to marathon running. Earlier in 2002, he missed almost a year of competition due to malaria, including the junior world championships in Kingston, Jamaica.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Kipchoge aims to continue running at a high level for at least two more years. He plans to inspire people globally after retiring from competitive running. His dream is to promote running as a means to achieve health, peace, and joy worldwide.

Eliud Kipchoge's journey from a young boy running to school in Kenya to becoming one of the world's most celebrated marathon runners is truly inspiring. His dedication, discipline, and philosophy continue to influence athletes globally.