A Monument to Marathon Greatness: World Athletics Unveils Statue Campaign for Eliud Kipchoge

Nairobi, Kenya – November 13, 2025 – In a ceremony that blended triumph, tears, and timeless inspiration, Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, officially launched a global campaign to erect a life-size bronze statue honoring Eliud Kipchoge, the undisputed king of marathon running. The announcement, made at the historic Nyayo National Stadium under a clear Kenyan sky, drew hundreds of athletes, dignitaries, and fans who erupted in applause as Coe hailed Kipchoge as “the greatest distance runner in human history.”

“Eliud Kipchoge is a King of World Records,” Coe declared, his voice echoing across the packed venue. “His extraordinary talent, fastest marathon record in human history, strict discipline, and mental strength not only rewrote history on the track but also inspired generations of athletes around the world.” The statue, proposed for placement in Eldoret – Kipchoge’s hometown and the heart of Kenya’s legendary Rift Valley running cradle – will stand as a permanent tribute to a man who has redefined the limits of human endurance.

Kipchoge’s accolades are nothing short of legendary. The 41-year-old Kenyan holds the official world marathon record of 2:01:09, set at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, a time that sliced 30 seconds off his previous mark from 2018. But his most audacious feat came in 2019 with the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, where he became the first human to run a sub-two-hour marathon (1:59:40) under controlled conditions – an achievement Coe described as “a moon landing for running.” Though not ratified as an official record due to pacing aids, it shattered psychological barriers and proved that “no human is limited,” Kipchoge’s famous mantra.

Beyond the stopwatch, Kipchoge’s career is a masterclass in consistency and grace. He has won 15 of his 18 career marathons, including Olympic golds in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 (defending his title in a pandemic-delayed race). His Berlin victories – four in total – include three world records. Yet, what elevates him to icon status is his philosophy: a blend of rigorous training in the high-altitude camps of Kaptagat, unyielding mental fortitude, and a humble demeanor that endears him to rivals and fans alike. “I don’t run for records,” Kipchoge often says. “I run to make history and inspire.”

The statue campaign, backed by World Athletics and corporate sponsors like INEOS and NN Running Team, aims to raise $2 million through crowdfunding, donations, and merchandise sales. Designs unveiled at the event depict Kipchoge mid-stride, arms pumping in his signature fluid form, with the inscription: “No Human is Limited – Eliud Kipchoge, Eternal Champion.” A replica will tour major marathon cities – Berlin, London, New York, Tokyo – before the Eldoret unveiling targeted for 2027, coinciding with Kipchoge’s potential retirement.

The emotional pinnacle came when Kipchoge, visibly moved, stepped to the podium. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he addressed the crowd in his soft-spoken tone. In just 20 words – precise, profound, and laced with sincerity – he captured a lifetime of sacrifice and gratitude: “From the dusty roads of Kaptagat to the world’s stages, thank you for believing in dreams. Together, no human is limited forever.”

The brevity and depth of his response silenced the stadium before a thunderous ovation erupted. Kenyan President William Ruto, in attendance, wiped away tears, calling it “a moment that unites Kenya and the world.” Social media exploded with #KipchogeStatue trending globally, as fans shared personal stories of how his runs motivated them through personal marathons – from cancer battles to corporate climbs.

Kipchoge’s impact transcends athletics. In a sport often plagued by doping scandals, he stands as a beacon of clean, ethical excellence. His training regimen – rising at 5 a.m. for 120-kilometer weeks, balanced with philosophy readings from Aristotle to modern self-help – has influenced elite runners like Kelvin Kiptum (the late record challenger) and emerging stars in Ethiopia and Uganda. Globally, his sub-two-hour feat sparked “Kipchoge Challenges” in schools, promoting fitness amid rising obesity rates. Corporations cite his discipline in leadership seminars; Nike’s “Breaking2” campaign, which paved the way for Vienna, became a marketing phenomenon.

Critics might argue statues are premature for active athletes, but Kipchoge’s legacy is already etched. Even after a rare DNF at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to injury, he bounced back with a triumphant win at the 2025 Tokyo Marathon in 2:02:44 – his fastest post-40 time. “Age is just a number,” he quipped post-race, embodying resilience.

The campaign’s launch coincides with World Athletics’ push for greater recognition of endurance sports. Coe emphasized inclusivity: “This isn’t just for Kenya; it’s for every child in a village who laces up homemade shoes and dreams big.” Funds will also support youth running programs in Africa, Asia, and beyond, ensuring Kipchoge’s spirit endures.

As the sun set over Nairobi, fans lingered, snapping photos with a mock-up statue. One young runner from Ethiopia whispered, “He showed us the impossible is possible.” Worldwide, tributes poured in – from Usain Bolt tweeting “Legend forever” to amateur joggers posting thank-you videos.

Eliud Kipchoge’s statue will be more than bronze; it will symbolize the power of perseverance in an era of instant gratification. In 20 words, he moved a nation. In a lifetime of strides, he moved the world. Fans everywhere echo his gratitude: Thank you, King Eliud, for running into history and pulling us all along.