A Legend’s Last Lap: Eliud Kipchoge Takes on the NYC Marathon

Sunday, November 2, marks more than just another race day in the “Big Apple.” It’s the day one of the greatest distance runners in history laces up his shoes for one final marathon—and what better stage than the NYC Marathon?

At 40 years old (he’ll celebrate his birthday just days after crossing the finish line), Eliud Kipchoge is calling it quits on his professional marathon career. But before he hangs up those legendary racing flats, he’s got one more major to conquer: New York City. And honestly? It’s about time.

Completing the Marathon Grand Slam

Kipchoge has dominated every other major marathon on the planet—Sydney, Tokyo, Chicago, London, Berlin—but he’s never run the NYC Marathon. Not once. This weekend changes that, and Kipchoge will officially complete the set of all seven marathon majors. Talk about saving the best for last.

The man’s resume reads like something out of a sports fantasy novel. Sixteen wins from 23 competitive marathons. Four London Marathon victories (the only male runner to pull that off). Five Berlin championships. And let’s not forget that world record—2:01:09 in Berlin back in 2022. That’s the kind of speed that makes your legs hurt just thinking about it.

“November, and it’s New York … It’s a place that has been on my mind for a long time,” Kipchoge told Olympics.com. “It’s time for me to go there before embarking on my new journey of running for other things.”

Not Just Another Race Day

The NYC Marathon isn’t rolling out the red carpet for just one legend, though. This year’s field includes 51 Olympians and Paralympians, which is downright staggering when you think about it. Last year’s race set a world record with 55,642 finishers—the largest marathon in history. Organizers expect similar numbers this time around, with roughly two million spectators lining the streets to cheer runners through all five boroughs.

Imagine being part of the NYC Marathon, knowing you’re witnessing Kipchoge’s final competitive marathon. There’s something beautifully poetic about it—a career that’s spanned 13 years, countless miles, and more victories than most athletes could dream of, all coming to a close on the streets of New York.

What Comes Next?

So what does a guy like Kipchoge do after retiring from professional marathon running? Well, he’s got plans. Big plans. Antarctica, specifically. Yes, you read that right—the man wants to run a marathon in Antarctica. Because apparently, conquering every major marathon wasn’t enough of a challenge.

But that’s what separates legends from everyone else. They don’t just fade into the sunset. They find new mountains to climb (or icy continents to run across, as the case may be).

For now, though, all eyes are on this weekend. The NYC Marathon has always been special—the energy, the course’s diversity, the sheer number of people who come out to support the runners. Adding Kipchoge’s farewell tour to the mix? That’s the kind of moment that transcends sports.

Whether you’re a die-hard running fan or someone who couldn’t run a mile if your life depended on it, you’ve got to appreciate what we’re about to witness at the NYC Marathon. One of the all-time greats, taking one last victory lap through the greatest city in the world.