Eliud Kipchoge Explains Reason He Wore Unusual Singlet During 2025 New York Marathon

When Eliud Kipchoge stepped onto the start line of the 2025 New York City Marathon, it wasn’t just the cobblestones and bridges of Manhattan that drew attention — it was the futuristic singlet he wore.

 In his post-race press conference, the Kenyan legend revealed that the custom top is “the future of sport,” designed to tackle sweat and redefine how athletes run.

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“I want to actually see the two million people who are lining up around the course,” Kipchoge said of his debut in New York, where he finished 17th in 2:14:36 while earning his Six-Star Medal for completing all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

He described the singlet – a custom Nike Radical AirFlow model – as more than apparel: “It’s the future of people actually learning and enjoying the sport. It’s the future of actually getting rid of the sweat and … enjoying that.”

The garment’s high-tech features and Kipchoge’s choice to debut it at New York underscore his broader mission. For him, the race in the Big Apple wasn’t simply about time or placing — it was about legacy. 

“This is a real transition to run for purpose… The gift to … go around all the seven continents … try to tell them running is actually becoming free,” he said.

Kipchoge’s move into New York also marked a symbolic turning point. After an unmatched career that included two Olympic gold medals and world-record performances, the marathon great made his debut in the only Major he hadn’t yet run. For many, the city served as both arrival and farewell. 

Through the singlet and the masterclass in presence, Kipchoge positioned himself beyond the immediate contest. He made it clear the focus now shifts from sub-2:00 marathons to global running culture, innovation and inclusivity.

 “We’re going to complete the seven-continent marathon tour in two years... I will run in every continent a marathon,” he declared. 

His singular singlet — the Radical AirFlow — becomes a symbol of that evolution. From Olympic tracks to elite road marathons, from world records to global tours, Kipchoge has always looked ahead. Now he looks at the fabric, the fans, the millions waiting to run for more than speed.