At yesterday's New York Marathon, Eliud Kipchoge finished in 2 hours 14 minutes 36 seconds, placing 17th in the men's race. With this, this marathon legend completed his seven-continents Grand Slam puzzle：
After the New York Marathon,Eliud Kipchoge held a press conference to clear up rumors about his retirement. He made it clear he has not retired, and officially announced a new phase in his career — launching the "Seven Continents" world tour run plan.
At the press conference, Eliud Kipchoge explained a strategic shift in his professional goals. He hopes to use running — a universal language — to inspire people around the world.
Eliud Kipchoge said he hopes people “run for their lives, for their minds, for their countries, for peace or the beauty of this world, for education, for the environment, and for taking care of this planet, because this is our only home.”
As the core vehicle for his new mission, Eliud Kipchoge announced a "Seven Continents" world tour running plan. The plan is expected to be completed within two years; he will participate in one marathon on each continent, including Antarctica. For the Asian race, will he come to run the Shanghai Marathon?
It is worth noting that Eliud Kipchoge does not intend to create brand new events on each continent; instead, he will partner with established marathons around the world that share his vision.
Despite launching this global running initiative, Eliud Kipchoge made it clear he will not be stepping away from elite competition. When asked whether he will continue to compete as a professional athlete, he gave an unequivocal yes.
He emphasized that this stage is not the end of his career but an expansion of his role — a "genuine transformation" aimed at broadening his impact rather than saying goodbye to the field.
Eliud Kipchoge revealed that he is still following a structured training regime, continually pushing his physical limits and maintaining the competitive standards of a top athlete.
At the press conference, Eliud Kipchoge also introduced a new generation of running gear and the app he helped develop.
He called the special running vest he wore at the New York Marathon the "vest of the future," saying it can wick sweat efficiently,and isa "future technology" that enhances the running experience.
This singlet is Nike for EliudKipchogespecially customized Nike Radical AirFlow, originates from this summer's Nike ACG line,Caleb Olson and Huang Xuemei have both worn it.
Reportedly, after trying the prototype, Eliud Kipchoge really liked how the knitted fabric fit his skin comfortably without chafing.
He also offered input, sayingmarathons are not high-altitude trail running and that the coverage could be reduced accordingly. In addition, he suggested thetop be slightly more form-fitting to avoid excess flapping while running. The result was the EK special edition Nike Radical AirFlow.
In addition, Eliud Kipchoge also recommended arunning app he helped develop called "Kotcha". According to its description, "Kotcha"is dedicated to building a global runners' community,it can help users find running partners and routes, and provides personalized programs and training guidance.
On the relationship between age and athletic performance, Eliud Kipchoge believes age itself is not an absolute limiting factor; mindset and determination are far more crucial than the numerical age.
Eliud Kipchoge believes, "The meaning of life lies in continuously pushing and surpassing one's limits — this is the expression of the beauty of life."
Let's look forward to what new possibilities Eliud Kipchoge's change of role will open up for him, and how he will push and surpass his new limits.
