Eliud Kipchoge set to increase number of marathons per year

© Eliud Kipchoge

ATHLETICS Eliud Kipchoge set to increase number of marathons per year

Abigael Wafula 06:59 - 19.07.2023

The only WMM he is yet to compete in is the New York City Marathon and if all goes well, he might be headed there during next year’s edition.

Having traditionally participated in two marathons per year, World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has revealed of plans to increase the number to three in a year.

If he has to realise his dream, it means he will have to go back to Boston and ensure that he wins the race. He has so far managed to win the London Marathon (four times), Berlin Marathon (four times), Tokyo Marathon (once), and the Chicago Marathon (once).

He made his debut at the Boston Marathon earlier this year but failed to deliver since he had a problem with his left leg and was forced to slow down. He finished distant sixth as Evans Chebet carried the day, winning his second successive title.

The only WMM he is yet to compete in is the New York City Marathon and if all goes well, he might be headed there during next year’s edition. 

He returns to Berlin this year in September as he gears up for the Paris Olympics but he has insisted that his dream of achieving all the six stars still stands.

“All six world major marathons are still on my bucket list. I decided to go back to Berlin because I have a huge task next year, but all in all in my mind. I still want to complete the six, I still want to win the six, I still want to register my name in all the six world Abbott major marathons,” Kipchoge said, as per Letsrun.com.

Since he made his debut over the 42km distance in 2013, Kipchoge has managed to only compete in two marathons every year but the narrative might change very soon.

Going forward, Kipchoge revealed that he has no plans to reduce the number of marathons and might even add them to three marathons per year.

“I’ll not cut back to do one a year. I’ll consider doing three in a year in the future because it’s good to diversify and go to other countries, other big cities, to sell the world of sport, to sell the sport (of running) and ask people to help me to make this world a running world. So, I think in future I am planning to add one marathon to be three a year,” Kipchoge, who turns 40 next year, said.