Why Marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge Finally Wants to Conquer NYC
On Sunday, November 2nd, the marathon world will witness history as Eliud Kipchoge, widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time (G.O.A.T.), makes his long-awaited debut at the New York City Marathon.
The 40-year-old Kenyan legend is not just running for a win; he is pursuing the elusive “sixth star,” the final jewel in his World Marathon Majors crown, which would officially complete his legendary career.
Kipchoge’s resume is unmatched: two Olympic gold medals, an official world best of 2:01:09, and a record 11 victories across the six biggest marathons. However, despite his triumphant debut in Chicago 11 years ago, the five-borough New York classic remains the only major missing from his astonishing list.
“If I don’t complete, I feel like I am halfway—I am not a rounded person,” Kipchoge stated, emphasizing his deep personal motivation. “My legacy will be complete because I will have a sixth star.”
The 54th edition of the race is famously not a world record course. Unlike the flat, fast asphalt of Berlin and Chicago, the New York City Marathon is renowned for its unpredictable nature, featuring five challenging bridges and an undulating final stretch through Central Park.
Kipchoge enters the field as the fastest man by a significant margin, but in New York, speed often takes a backseat to strategy and grit.
“I want to experience, I want to go through it,” Kipchoge told reporters. “I want to actually see the two million people who are lining up around the course.”
Kipchoge will face a formidable field of contenders, including former champions Abdi Nageeye and Albert Korir, alongside Olympic bronze medallist Benson Kipruto.
The veteran athlete’s recent form has been mixed, including an inability to finish the Paris Olympics marathon last year and a ninth-place finish at the Sydney Marathon on August 31st, 2025.
However, Kipchoge credits technology, specifically his partnership with Abbott since 2021, with helping him push past the boundaries of age. He highlighted the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) as a game-changer. “That’s what made changes – I can monitor my glucose on time. It’s wonderful,” he noted, citing how advances in tech have extended his elite career.
Kipchoge also addressed the unavoidable shadow of anti-doping discussions, calling compatriot Ruth Chepngetich’s provisional suspension “a shame actually for people to break the rule in sport.”
The marathon GOAT has confirmed that the New York City Marathon 2025 is a key pivot point. While speculation about his retirement is rampant, Kipchoge has promised to announce his next steps after the race on November 2nd.
Will the greatest marathoner in history cap his career with the ultimate six-star legacy? The world is watching.
