Comebacks in sports often inspire and showcase how we can overcome obstacles and the strength that comes from within. And few athletes prove that age is just a number when you have that fire to win. One such comeback story that has the athletics world buzzing is that of a 42-year-old Ethiopian athlete who, after narrowly missing victory at the 2024 London Marathon, is preparing for another battle against his toughest rival. Kenenisa Bekele is back, and he’s not just aiming for another race—he’s gunning for the top spot.

His luck didn’t stay with him last, as he had to settle for runner-up in London. Despite trying his best, he was bested by Kenya’s Alexander Mutiso Munyao by only a very small margin. Despite losing the first spot, the Olympian finished the race with a remarkable time of 2:04:15. Munyao clinched the first spot by just 14 seconds and finished the marathon in 2:04:01. He is again setting the stage for another epic showdown with Eliud Kipchoge.

A rivalry and a faceoff are on the cards. And that too, 12 years after he first secured fourth place in London 2012. Now, he is again ready to compete at the London Marathon. Despite hardships, Bekele is finally returning, as Citius Mag also announced through the X post. The caption reads, “JUST ANNOUNCED: At 42 years old, Kenenisa Bekele will return to the London Marathon after a runner-up finish in 2024.”

Bekele will compete: “Another race against Eliud Kipchoge awaits on April 27th.” Rewind to 2003, when Eliud Kipchoge and Kenenisa Bekele faced off in the World Athletics Championships 5,000-meter final. In the last 200 meters, Kipchoge prevailed, moving Bekele into third place.

The 42-year-old Ethiopian came in second place at the 2024 TCS London Marathon. Also nearly achieved one of the most well-known comeback stories in the history of the sport. He joined an elite men’s field that includes Olympic champion Tamirat Tola (ETH). The 2025 TCS London Marathon is scheduled to be held on Sunday, April 27.

The marathon will be streamed live on FloTrack in the U.S., Australia, and Canada. As the marathon world eagerly counts down to April 27th, Bekele’s commitment to compete at the age of 42 serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. His journey on track has been nothing but inspiring.

Kenenisa Bekele’s journey has been inspiring for young athletes

The Bekoji native has secured multiple Olympic gold medals, including victories in the 10,000 meters at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Not only that, Bekele has recorded wins in 5k and 10k meters at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His Olympic success shows that dedication and perseverance can lead to greatness, even when life throws obstacles in your way.

In 2005, Bekele’s life was completely shattered when he had to go through a personal loss that was not easy to recover from. He lost his fiancee when they were on a training run together. While talking to Sports Illustrated after the incident, Bekele expressed, “I am half the man without Alem. I honestly do not know if I can ever be the same runner again.” 

But despite the loss, Bekele has no shortage of mettle in him. Within a few months, the Olympian was again seen across cross-country tracks. In fact, he even went on to win the titles in cross-country and 10,000 m. An unfiltered display of resilience and diligence has made this comeback possible but the journey is not done yet.

The highly anticipated London Marathon 2025 is approaching. And only time will tell if Kenenisa Bekele will be able to clinch the gold this time.