2020 London Marathon Diary: History-maker Eliud Kipchoge returns to London

Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathoner of all time, has chosen the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon as his first race since becoming the first human to run a sub-two hour marathon in Vienna in October.

Kipchoge has his sights set on continuing his incredible streak of record-breaking performances at what will be The 40th Race in London Marathon history on Sunday 26 April 2020.

The Kenyan superstar has shattered records in each of his last three marathons and he will be looking to keep that streak going by becoming the first able-bodied athlete to win an incredible FIVE London Marathon titles.

🗣️”I think I can run better than the course record.”@EliudKipchoge is out to make more history at the Virgin Money London Marathon…#LondonMarathon pic.twitter.com/JoDMWPiJO6

— Virgin Money London Marathon (@LondonMarathon) December 15, 2019

Kipchoge’s phenomenal run of record-breaking marathons include:

• September 2018: Obliterating the marathon world record at the BMW Berlin Marathon with a sensational time of 2:01:39
• April 2019: Smashing his own course record at the Virgin Money London Marathon by clocking a jaw-dropping time of 2:02:37
• October 2019: Going where no man has gone before and proving No Human is Limited by breaking the two-hour barrier for the marathon at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna when he ran 1:59:40

Kipchoge is currently tied with Ingrid Kristiansen in the London Marathon history books for the most wins by an able-bodied athlete. The Norwegian great won four London Marathon titles between 1984 and 1988.

If Kipchoge continues his unbeaten run at the London Marathon next April – where he has won four times in four appearances (2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019) – he will surpass Kristiansen and stand alone in the record books.

I can’t wait to return to the @LondonMarathon this April.

I hope to see you there! pic.twitter.com/XnLrcNYuAc

— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) December 15, 2019

Kipchoge, who is also the reigning Olympic marathon champion, said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2020. I love running in London where the crowd support is always wonderful. Breaking the two-hour barrier in Vienna was an incredible moment. It showed that No Human is Limited and that is a belief that continues to drive me on to set new objectives.

“Making history in London is my next target. I am proud that I am currently the only male able-bodied athlete to have won this great race four times and that no one, male or female, has won it more than that.

“It is also an honour to be invited to run in The 40th Race. The London Marathon is an amazing event that has done so much to inspire people to run, to raise money for charities and which has produced great races and great champions. I am looking forward to racing on the streets of London again in April.”

Hugh Brasher, Event Director of the Virgin Money London Marathon, said: “Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest marathon runner of all time. His incredible sub two hour run in Vienna made headlines all around the world and London Marathon Events is very proud that we were involved in organising that event. Eliud’s belief that No Human Is Limited resonated with millions in every walk of life and we are delighted that this extraordinary and truly inspirational man will be part of The 40th Race.”

Kipchoge was given the highest honour of Kenya following his amazing sub-two hour run in Vienna, the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH).

As well as his four Virgin Money London Marathon titles and the Olympic gold medal he won in Rio in 2016, Kipchoge has also won the BMW Berlin Marathon on three occasions and the Bank of America Chicago Marathon once. In addition, he has won the overall Abbott World Major Marathon series titles four times.

He is the first of the elite runners to be announced for the 2020 Virgin Money London Marathon. Further names will be revealed during Elite Week beginning on Monday 13 January.