Eliud Kipchoge receives hero’s welcome in China during tour

Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge receives a warm welcome in China / ELIUD KIPCHOGE FACEBOOK

Hundreds of residents in China turned out on Saturday to welcome Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge during his visit to the country.

The enthusiastic crowd lined the streets carrying placards bearing his name and image, as they sought to catch a glimpse of the globally celebrated athlete.

Security was tight at the venue, with officials controlling access as Kipchoge passed by and waved to his admirers.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Kipchoge expressed gratitude for the reception, describing it as a warm and memorable welcome.

“Thank you, China, for the warm welcome. I will spend the upcoming days in Shijiazhuang. I can’t wait to see you all,” he said.

Kipchoge’s visit has drawn significant attention among fans in China, highlighting his international stature and influence in long-distance running.

Marathoner Eliud Kipchoge receives a warm welcome in China / ELIUD KIPCHOGE FACEBOOK

Described as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT),  consistency in winning is inarguably the best description that Eliud Kipchoge has earned himself. His accolades in the marathon world are no doubt unmatched.

For some, he is the lord of Marathons. For others, no one is close to this legend.

Kipchoge earned the respect and admiration of the world when he beat the INEOS 1.59 challenge. He ran a 42-kilometre marathon in under two hours. 

The event was specifically created for Kipchoge and held in Vienna, Austria, on 12 October 2019.

"I'm the happiest man. I'm feeling good. It's taken 65 years for a human being to make history. I have tried... It means no man is limited."

"The first kilometres were hard. It needs perseverance. I appreciate the 41 pacemakers volunteering to do the job. I want to tell Kenyans that anyone can step out of their cocoon," he said after finishing the Marathon at 1 hour 59 minutes and 40 seconds.

Kipchoge has won four major marathons in London, Chicago, Berlin, and Tokyo. 

In Berlin, he has won four out of five marathons, that is, in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022. 

In the 2022 marathon, he broke the world record again by clocking 2:01:09. 

In the London marathons, Kipchoge won four times, in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. 

Kipchoge has two Olympic titles at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 in the men's marathon clocking 2:08:38. 

Kipchoge's stellar career has, however, had its fair share of low moments.

Aged 37 years, Kipchoge has participated in 19 marathons, recording only two losses.

At the 2013 Berlin Marathon, Kipchoge lost to Wilson Kipsang becoming second in the race.

Another notable loss was the 2020 London marathon where he finished eighth. 

Kipchoge attributed his 2020 dismal performance to a hearing problem he said he developed after running the first 25 kilometres of the race.