Eliud Kipchoge needs no introduction in the world of distance running. He remains a dominant force on the roads and in the record books. Here you’ll find his key personal facts, how he rose from a farm in Kenya to global stardom, the milestones of his professional career, insights into his family life, and a breakdown of his net worth, contracts, salary and endorsements. Plus, detailed marathon stats and FAQs to satisfy every fan’s curiosity.
Eliud Kipchoge’s Biography
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Eliud Kipchoge EGH |
Date of Birth | November 5, 1984 |
Age | 40 |
Education | Kaptel Secondary School (High school) |
Nationality | Kenyan |
Height | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) |
Weight | 52 kg (115 lb) |
Turned Pro | 2013 (Marathon debut) |
Net Worth | $3 million |
Salary / Career Earnings | N/A |
Spouse | Grace Sugutt |
Instagram Profile | @eliudkipchoge |
Twitter Profile | @EliudKipchoge |
Early Career
Eliud Kipchoge grew up in Kapsisiywa, Kenya, running three kilometres to school every day. He met former steeplechase medallist Patrick Sang at age 16 and began formal training under his guidance.
In 2003, Kipchoge burst onto the international scene by winning the world junior cross-country title and setting a junior record in the 5,000 metres.
That same year he claimed the senior 5,000m world championship gold with a championship record.
He secured Olympic bronze in Athens 2004 and silver in Beijing 2008 over the same distance, becoming known for his smooth stride, tactical acumen and unwavering discipline on the track.
Professional Career
Shifting focus to road racing in 2013, Kipchoge made an immediate impact by winning his marathon debut in Hamburg. He captured his first World Marathon Major at Chicago in 2014 and went on to dominate London with four titles (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019). His tactical mastery and consistent pacing led to Olympic marathon gold in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, cementing his legacy.
He ran 2:01:39 at the Berlin Marathon to break the world record, then improved it to 2:01:09 in 2022. The 2019 Ineos 1:59 Challenge saw him complete a specially paced sub-two-hour marathon in Vienna. With 15 wins in 18 official marathons and just two losses, he remains the benchmark for marathon excellence even as he plots new challenges beyond competition.
Wife
Grace Sugut, Kipchoge’s wife and childhood classmate, manages their family home in Eldoret. They met in primary school and attended Kaptel Secondary together before marrying over fifteen years ago. Grace oversees the household, farm and school runs, allowing him to focus entirely on training high in Kaptagat.
She fasts and prays for his success ahead of every major race, believing faith fuels performance. Their three children—Lynne, Griffin and Gordon—bring daily joy and motivation; evening video calls filled with homework updates and laughter keep him grounded.
Kipchoge credits Grace’s organizational skills, unwavering support and nurturing presence as the “ignition key” behind his world-beating achievements.
Eliud Kipchoge’s Net Worth Details
Eliud Kipchoge’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025.
Career Earnings
Year | Estimated Earnings |
---|---|
2015 | $220,000 |
2016 | $300,000 |
2018 | $280,000 |
2019 | $520,000 |
2020 | $160,000 |
2022 | $350,000 |
Endorsements
Kipchoge partners with Tecno Mobile, Isuzu and Huawei. He appears in global ad campaigns, product launches and limited-edition collaborations—like the Nike EK Umoja shoe line and an Isuzu D-Max special edition.
His status as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador and Laureus World Sports ambassador further amplifies his reach, while his own foundation channels earnings into education and environmental projects in Kenya.
Marathon Stats
Stat | Value |
---|---|
Marathon Starts | 18 |
Marathon Wins | 15 |
Marathon Losses | 2 |
Fastest Official Marathon | 2:01:09 (Berlin 2022) |
Unofficial Sub-2 Marathon | 1:59:40 (INEOS Challenge 2019) |
Olympic Marathon Golds | 2 (Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020) |
World Marathon Record Held | 2018–2023 |
World Marathon Majors Titles | 12 (4 London, 5 Berlin, 2 Chicago,1 Tokyo) |
FAQs
1. What Olympic medals has Eliud Kipchoge won?
He has won four Olympic medals: bronze in the 5,000 metres at the Athens 2004 Games, silver in the same event at Beijing 2008, and marathon golds at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, making him the first man to defend an Olympic marathon title.
2. What is Kipchoge’s official marathon world record time and where did he set it?
His official marathon world record is 2:01:09, set at the Berlin Marathon on 25 September 2022, where he maintained an average pace of 2 minutes 52 seconds per kilometre and an overall speed of 21.02 km/h.
3. Who has coached Kipchoge since his teenage years and how has that partnership shaped his career?
Patrick Sang, a former Olympic steeplechase medallist, has coached Kipchoge since he was 16, guiding him from junior cross-country success to marathon dominance with a training ethos centered on disciplined long runs, consistent pacing and strategic race planning.
4. Why isn’t Kipchoge’s 1:59:40 marathon recognized as an official world record?
The 1:59:40 marathon at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna on 12 October 2019 used rotating pacemakers, pace cars and prototype shoes under controlled conditions, which fall outside World Athletics’ regulations and therefore cannot be ratified as an official world record.
5. Who is Eliud Kipchoge’s wife and how does she contribute to his athletic success?
Grace Sugut, Kipchoge’s childhood classmate and wife, manages their household and cares for their children while he trains, providing emotional stability, logistical support and a nurturing home environment that allows him to focus fully on his running.