As one of distance running’s all-time greats, Eliud Kipchoge prepares to put a bow on his celebrated career this Sunday at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon; he is already planning his next step.
In a pre-race interview with Olympics.com, Kipchoge revealed New York will be his last world marathon major as a professional, and that he’s looking ahead to “the thrill of new adventures,” including a marathon in Antarctica.
“I will run in Antarctica!” Kipchoge said. “I now want to do that extreme thing that can make someone work hard…”
The fastest marathon ever run on Antarctic soil is 2:38:42, set by Irish runner William Maunsell at the Great World Race in November 2024. If the Kenyan can handle the cold, we imagine that record could be in danger.
At 40, Kipchoge recognizes he’s at the end of his professional career, but insists his competitive fire remains as strong as ever. “I’m really ready to run well,” he said about his New York intentions. “I will be trying to be on the podium. For me, it’s like any other serious, normal race.”
When Kipchoge crosses the finish line in Central Park, he’ll become the first man ever to win an Olympic marathon and complete all seven Abbott World Marathon Majors. New York will also mark his third marathon of the year, following a sixth-place finish in London and ninth in Sydney.
Even as Kipchoge hints at retirement, he says running will continue to shape his life, just in new, more unconventional ways. He plans to keep using his platform to promote the sport, take on extreme challenges and rally support for global causes. One of his next goals is to test himself at the ultra distance, taking on a 50K race in Saudi Arabia.
“I want to do that extreme thing that can make somebody work hard and also get partners (sponsors) to rally for a cause,” Kipchoge said. “A lot is in store, which I will roll out after New York… it will be an interesting journey.”
Whatever direction he chooses next, Kipchoge’s place in history is secure as the most dominant men’s marathoner of all time, the first human to unofficially break two hours for the marathon with the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, and, most importantly to him, a global ambassador for the sport.
In true Kipchoge fashion, though, he says what he’s most excited about this Sunday isn’t the finish line, it’s the atmosphere. “I’m looking forward to seeing the two million people cheering on the 60,000 runners as we run through New York City’s five boroughs into Central Park.”
