CNN’s African Correspondent, Larry Madowo has hinted that marathoner Eliud Kipchoge was paid over 20 million Kenyan shillings despite finishing 6th in the London Marathon.
Taking to Instagram, Larry Madowo said that Kipchoge, 40, is still earning a handsome amount from participating in marathons even without emerging among the top finishers.
Analyzing his earnings from the London Marathon held last weekend, Madowo said that Kipchoge pocketed a whopping $150,000 and an additional $7,500 for finishing 6th in the marathon, thanks to his reputation in marathon prowess.
“Eliud Kipchoge should retire’ that’s what people keep telling him. But check this, because he is the biggest name in the marathon, considered as the greatest marathoner of all time, he probably earned $150, 000 (Sh19,387,500) as appearance fee. That is a top bonus just for showing up,” Madowo estimated.
The journalist posed a question to those advising Kipchoge to consider retirement after facing major setbacks in recent marathons where he has been finishing in distant positions.
According to Madowo, most people acting to advice Kipchoge online haven’t succeeded in making over 20 million Kenya shillings in a day – equivalent to what Kipchoge made even at his worst race finish.
Madowo asked people to stop asking him to retire and instead let him enjoy his marathon life until the day he will feel like it’s time to call it off.
“He is quite happy with his performance finishing 6th in London. That sixth place finish means he earned another $7,500 (Sh969,375). So he made nearly $160,000 (Sh20,680,000) in a day.”
“For Kenyans, when is the last time you made more than Sh20m for a day’s work?” he asked.
In the Sunday 27th April London Marathon, Kipchoge finished 6th, running a time of 2:05:25.
Sebastien Sawe took the top spot, finishing with an impressive 2:02:27 while Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda came in third with a time 2:03:37 and Kenya’s Alexander Munyao finished fourth clocking 2:04:20.
Speaking after the disappointing race, Kipchoge said that he feels better being part of the London Marathon 2025 and made it clear that he is doing it for enjoyment and not to please anyone.
“I was happy to finish the race…and in good time…and to cross the finish line with the right values of this world in mind. I am happy to have run here today and to continue with the movement, as running is a movement,” the marathon GOAT asserted.
“I am happy with what I am doing. I am here not to prove anything to anybody in this world at all but to run with the Olympics spirit. London has hosted the Olympics three times and this city speaks the language of the Olympics…that’s why I am here,” he added.
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