'I Have Nothing to Prove' -Why Eliud Kipchoge is Thinking Beyond Just Winning Marathon Majors After 9th Place Finish in Sydney

Eliud Kipchoge is running for a bigger purpose than just going for wins in major events following his ninth place finish at the Sydney Marathon last weekend.

Eliud Kipchoge has insisted he is running for a greater purpose than simply chasing victories after finishing ninth in the Sydney Marathon, the first edition of the event to be included among the prestigious World Marathon Majors.

The 40-year-old Kenyan, widely regarded as the greatest marathoner of all time, was competing in his 23rd career marathon but fell short of the podium in his maiden race Down Under.

 Despite the result, Kipchoge remained upbeat, emphasising the significance of his participation rather than his placing.

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A Bigger Mission Than Winning

“I’m happy to go across the finish line. I have nothing to prove,” Kipchoge said afterwards. “My mission is to bring all the people together. Let us surpass 55,000 competitors next year to run here. It’s a beautiful course. It’s a course whereby there is no other in this world.”

In a separate interview with 10 News, Kipchoge, speaking to Bill Hogan, spoke passionately about the role he sees himself playing beyond athletics, highlighting his desire to inspire communities worldwide to take up running.

 “I feel like I give hope to people and I am happy to get response from people like you, that is why I wake up in the morning,” he explained.

Acknowledging the pressures that come with his legendary status, he added: “It is still hard for me to carry the weight on my shoulder, but I have to because it is my work.”

Kipchoge described Sydney as a “unique” addition to the majors, praising the atmosphere and energy. “All six marathon majors are different because of the way the city is. 

“The seventh one, which is Sydney, is absolutely unique. I feel like there is a real culture and passion of running in Sydney. The crowds are wonderful. The whole course was perfect. You can see the culture and passion of sports from the way people were running.”

Legacy Beyond the Finish Line

For Kipchoge, the marathon is now as much about impact as achievement. “I want to make Australia a running nation and I want people to get out of their homes and run. 

“What I believe and work on, I achieve through running. I believe in consistency. I believe in discipline and respect of people.”

Outlining his vision for the future, he added: “I want my legacy to be about, when you hear my name, Eliud Kipchoge, you remember to push limits and give hope. 

“I will keep going as long as my legs allow me, running for the courses, health, education and conservation.”

While Ethiopia’s Hailemaryam Kiros won the men’s race in record-breaking fashion, Kipchoge once again reminded the world that his influence is measured in inspiration as much as medals.