Vivian Cheruiyot Hints at Possible Retirement Date After Fifth-Place Finish in London Marathon

Vivian Cheruiyot

Vivian Cheruiyot Hints at Possible Retirement Date After Fifth-Place Finish in London Marathon

Abigael Wafula 13:04 - 28.04.2025

Vivian Cheruiyot has hinted at retiring soon, reflecting on her long and successful career while continuing to compete at a high level in marathons.

Vivian Cheruiyot has been making waves in the world of athletics for over 25 years and has now hinted at a possible retirement date.

The four-time World champion has taken breaks in between her competitive years, and at some point, precisely after the COVID-19 pandemic, her fans thought she had hung up her spikes.

However, she bounced back in 2023, competing both locally and at international events. Vivian Cheruiyot finished fifth at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon and sixth at the NN Zevenheuvelenloop.

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Vivian Cheruiyot rounded up the podium at the 2024 Paris Marathon before also finishing third at the New York City Marathon, among other competitions she had been confirmed for.

The former Olympic champion has already kickstarted her 2025 season, finishing ninth at the Lisbon Half Marathon and fifth at the London Marathon.

Vivian Cheruiyot on her retirement

Vivian Cheruiyot at London Marathon
Vivian Cheruiyot out to defy age as she chases marathon dream Image source: Imago

Having accomplished a lot of milestones in her career, Vivian Cheruiyot has revealed that her time as an athlete is almost over, and she wants to compete in a few races before deciding to retire.

"I'm going to do some marathons, I don't have much time to run, maybe one to two years, and then I will just put off my shoes and just relax," Vivian Cheruiyot said in an interview with Citius Magazine.

Vivian Cheruiyot added that finishing fifth at the London Marathon was a great accomplishment since the last time she was there, she did not finish the race.

Cheruiyot was in action at the 2020 edition of the race, where she failed to finish the race. However, she also has sweet memories from competing in the streets of the English capital. Vivian Cheruiyot finished fourth at the 2017 London Marathon and won in 2018.

“I want to say that I feel good, I'm so happy with the position that I got today. I got this chance to come to London at the last minute, and I want to appreciate London for giving me that opportunity,” she said.

“I'm proud of myself because I've turned a lot, and I think today, finishing in the fifth position, I'm really proud of myself.”

Vivian Cheruiyot on her late addition to the London Marathon field

London Marathon
Vivian Cheruiyot crosses the finishing line 2nd during the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon on April 28, 2019, in London.

The women’s race was historic, and Vivian Cheruiyot was excited to be in such a race. However, she explained that going with the first group would not have yielded fruit, the reason behind her decision to stick with the second pack.

The two-time Olympic silver medallist explained that she could not go with the first pack that was seemingly chasing the world record.

Cheruiyot revealed that the late call-up was not an inconvenience since she was preparing for the Hamburg Marathon that was happening the same day.

“I was training well and was doing everything. I was to run in the Hamburg Marathon, which was done today, so when I got a chance to come to London, I cancelled Hamburg and just came to this place,” she revealed.

Vivian Cheruiyot’s illustrious career continues to inspire fans and athletes alike, and despite the prospect of retirement looming, she remains a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of competition.