On Thursday in Washington, D.C., former men’s marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge finally got to meet his hero, and he brought him a sentimental gift.
The 11-time Abbott World Marathon Majors champion and newly minted seven-star finisher met with former U.S. president Barack Obama, gifting him a signed pair of Nike Alphafly 3s that he wore during his final Berlin Marathon victory, in 2023. Though they weren’t the shoes from his 2:01:09 world record run, they still carry significance: they powered Kipchoge to become the first to win the Berlin Marathon five times: 2015, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2023.
According to Kipchoge’s social media post, the two discussed leadership, legacy and how the next generation can rise through sport and education. “We also explored ways the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation and the Obama Foundation can work together on causes close to our hearts,” Kipchoge shared. “Together, we hope to help young people believe that no dream is too distant and no beginning too small.”
Even though the former president was never a marathoner, the two share Kenyan roots and a clear passion for inspiring the next generation. Obama’s connection to Kenya comes through his father, Barack Hussein Obama Sr., who was born and raised in western Kenya and belonged to the Luo ethnic group.
Their connection dates back to 2019, when Obama praised Kipchoge on X after his historic sub-two-hour marathon at the unofficial INEOS 1:59 Challenge. Obama wrote, “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.”
Dear Mr. Obama, Thank you for your special words. In life we hope to inspire others. Thank you for inspiring me. 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. #NoHumanIsLimited
— Eliud Kipchoge – EGH🇰🇪 (@EliudKipchoge) October 14, 2019
Kipchoge replied that he was honoured by the message and wanted to meet Obama someday to discuss how they could “make this world a running world.”
That admiration resurfaced at the 2022 Berlin Marathon, when Kipchoge was asked which one person, living or dead, he’d most want to run with.
Even though there were no reported mile repeats during Thursday’s meeting, Kipchoge’s wish has now become reality. The 41-year-old called his meeting with Obama a day that he “will treasure, forever,” and he plans to use it in his continued journey to inspire those around the world.
