Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge met former US President Barack Obama in Washington on Friday, where the two discussed how sport can unite and transform societies across the world.
The meeting came just days after Kipchoge completed the New York Marathon, marking another chapter in his long and illustrious athletics career.
According to a statement from Global Sports Communications, which manages Kipchoge, the marathon icon used the opportunity to share his dedication to nurturing future generations through sports, leadership, and education.
Kipchoge expressed his admiration for Obama, describing him as a humble global figure whose values of discipline and unity continue to inspire millions.
“We share a vision of hope and possibility, believing that through partnership, we can create meaningful change,” Kipchoge said. The two are said to have exchanged ideas on how mentorship and sports can build stronger, more resilient communities.
Obama, in response, expressed his appreciation through a social media post that read, “Thanks for those kind words. It was great meeting you, Eliud!”
Kipchoge, who finished 17th in the New York Marathon on November 2, recently made history by completing all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors — Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York — a rare milestone that few athletes have achieved.
Earlier this year, he also ran in the Sydney Marathon, which joined the World Marathon Majors series for the first time, finishing ninth.
His meeting with Obama comes as Kipchoge transitions into a new chapter of his career, one focused on global outreach through running. After his New York race, he announced plans for a global running campaign.
“Seven marathons on all seven continents, together with you! With this World Tour, I want to continue to push myself to run at my best but I also want to inspire, give back and remind everyone that no human is limited in every corner of the world,” he said in his post on November 2.
Over the years, Kipchoge has become a symbol of determination and perseverance. Since his marathon debut at the 2013 Hamburg Marathon, he has dominated the world stage, winning 12 out of 17 major marathons and earning Olympic gold medals in 2020 and 2024.
In 2019, he became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, clocking 1:59:40. He also twice broke the official world record at the Berlin Marathon — first with 2:01:39 in 2018 and again with 2:01:09.
Kipchoge’s achievements paved the way for the late Kelvin Kiptum, who later lowered the record to 2:00:35 in the Chicago Marathon, becoming the first to run the 42km distance in under two hours and two minutes.
Despite these shifts, Kipchoge remains the face of endurance running, celebrated globally for his calm demeanor, discipline, and unwavering belief that “no human is limited.”
