‘I am Still hungry’ - Defiant Eliud Kipchoge Here to Stay as He Welcomes Competition from Younger Runners

Eliud Kipchoge remains defiant over his future in running. Photo: Imago

‘I am Still hungry’ - Defiant Eliud Kipchoge Here to Stay as He Welcomes Competition from Younger Runners

Joel Omotto 10:23 - 30.04.2025

Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has sent a defiant message to his detractors, saying he is not done running, while welcoming competition from younger marathoners.

Marathon great Eliud Kipchoge has once again reiterated his desire to continue running following his sixth-place finish at the London Marathon last Sunday.

The 40-year-old has faced questions regarding retirement while some fans have even claimed that his best days are behind him and he should consider leaving the sport.

However, Kipchoge, who has won 15 of his 21 races since his marathon debut in 2013, remains defiant, saying he still has the hunger to keep going and is encouraged by his sixth-place finish in London, coming after a tough 2024 that saw him finish 10th in Tokyo before dropping out of his Olympics race.

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“It is about doing the action, that is why I am running so whichever the outcome, what I am doing I am still hungry,” Kipchoge said in London after his race.

“Still hungry to inspire somebody somewhere, I am still motivated to train every day. Sport is built by challenges, dedication and patience,” he added.

In what was his sixth race in London, where he had won four and finished fifth in his previous five races in the English capital, Kipchoge clocked 2:05:25 for his sixth place, a great feat given his age and the season he had last year.

Kipchoge is having to come to terms with the fact that he can no longer compete with runners almost half his age, as witnessed in London where Sebastian Sawe, 29, won the race, followed by 24-year-old Jacob Kiplimo, while Alexander Mutiso, 28, was third.

“I am happy for them, they are young people, the next generation and life should continue and continue and I am happy to see them,” Kipchoge said of the younger runners in a separate interview with Athletics Weekly.

“This is my 22nd year running and these guys are younger than my own profession so I am a happy man to run with the young guys.”

Kipchoge’s next race will be the Sydney Marathon on August 31, which is now one of the World Marathon Majors.