Five-time Olympian and two-time gold medalist Eliud Kipchoge was one of the biggest selling points for the 33rd Olympic Games. The celebrity Marathon runner from Kenya enjoys a sort of stardom that transcends beyond his national borders, but at 39 years old, it was becoming evident that might be running out of steam. However, irrespective of what would transpire at the City of Love, fans flocked to today’s event to watch the Kenyan great in his element, and Kipchoge would revel among his admirers.

Kipchoge’s 2024 hasn’t been the most fairytale moment of his life. With only one race ahead of the Paris Olympics, that too ended in a disaster for Eliud, it seemed like Eliud would at least defend his Olympic title with style. However, things took a dramatic turn instead.

Eliud Kipchoge basks in glory among his followers

It was projected as a dream finale for the veteran Marathoner. And yet, Kipchoge ultimately didn’t even get to finish the race, and the scoreboard showed DNF against his name. While his heartbreak shouldn’t be surprising, Kipchoge at least once again got to know the love his fans have for him. A post by Katami Michelle on X reveals how the Kenyan icon’s fans made sure to make things memorable for the athlete. “I walked for about 2kms, there were about 300 people walking with me. That’s why I don’t have my shirt, shoes,” Kipchoge is quoted saying in the post.

During the race, Eliud was seen handing over his running shoes to a fan, as he decided to quit the race after running 30km. However, it wasn’t just heaving emotions that prompted him to be unable to finish a race for the first time in his career. “I had a pain in my back at about 20km and decided not to finish and try to get out. The hills didn’t affect me at all. The pain made me stop,” Kipchoge was heard saying according to an article by Independent.

Yet, seeing his popularity among Marathon fans, Kipchoge once again was aware of what helped him keep coming back for more. “Seeing that support is what motivates me,” the social media post notes. While he might have been reassured that despite his latest fumble he commands the respect of fans from around the world, he would probably be a little saddened for not being able to keep the promise he made a late friend.

A vow unfulfilled: Khipchoge’s promise

Earlier this year, Kenya lost one of its biggest Marathon stars Kevin Kiptum in a horror car accident in his own country. As the track community mourned the untimely loss, Kipchoge vowed to fly to Paris with the objective of paying an emotional tribute to his colleague. However, with Eliud not finishing the race, it would look like the homage fell short of its promise. While that may be the case, being the experienced veteran that he is, Kipchoge also understands this is all part and parcel of the game.

“This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF [did not finish]. That’s life. Like a boxer, I have been knocked down, I have won, I have come second, eighth, 10th, fifth – now I did not finish. That’s life,” the athlete was later heard saying about the race. Along with his acceptance of the situation, he also hinted that this might have been the last time he raced a Marathon. “…You will see me in a different way, maybe giving people motivation, but I will not run,” said the runner according to Olympics.com.

Is this really the end of the road for the celebrity long-distance sprinter? What do you think? Drop by with your predictions for Kipchoge’s future.