Why Eliud Kipchoge wants to meet former US President Obama



  • Kipchoge, 34, became the first man to run a marathon under two hours when he clocked one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds during the INEOS Challenge in Vienna, Austria on Saturday
  • Obama, born of a Kenyan father and US mother, became the latest global leader to hail Kipchoge for the historic feat posting a warm message on his official Twitter handle
  • Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta personally called Kipchoge on Friday wishing him success in Vienna and on Saturday led Kenyans in congratulating the legend
Why Eliud Kipchoge wants to meet former US President Obama. World record Marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has responded to Former United States President Barack Obama’s congratulatory message after he won the INEOS Challenge that took place on Saturday 12 October.
Former US president Barack Obama on the right side and world record marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge on the left side.

World record Marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has responded to Former United States President Barack Obama’s congratulatory message after he won the INEOS Challenge that took place on Saturday 12 October.


 In his tweet, Barack described Eliud and Brigid Kosgei, Kenyan runner who broke the Women’s World Record at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 13 October, as ‘remarkable examples of humanity’s ability to endure’ after the historic run.

 “Yesterday, marathoner Eliud Kipchoge became the first ever to break two hours. Today in Chicago, Brigid Kosgei set a new women’s world record. Staggering achievements on their own, they’re also remarkable examples of humanity’s ability to endure—and keep raising the bar,” said Barack Obama.
On Monday 14 October, Eliud responded to the former President and thanked him for being a great inspiration.
“Dear Mr. Obama, Thank you for your special words. In life we hope to inspire others. Thank you for inspiring me,” read part of the tweet by Eliud.
Kipchoge added that he would like to meet Barack Obama to discuss on how to make the world a ‘running world’.

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“It would be my greatest honour if we could meet, and discuss how we can make this world a running world. As a running world is a peaceful world,” said Kipchoge.

Eliud broke the World Record on Saturday October 12 after he completed the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in 1:59.40.2, in Vienna, Austria.
Kipchoge attempted to break the two-hour barrier in May 2017 but failed, completing the marathon in 2hr 00min 25 secs.
The marathon champion says by completing the challenge, he wanted to show other people that nothing is impossible.