Marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, known for his remarkable endurance and marathon wins, is set to make a notable shift by competing in a 10km race for the first time since 2016. This change comes as part of the Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok 2024, marking the beginning of a new partnership between the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Kipchoge’s NN Running Team. The collaboration aims to elevate Thailand’s status as a premier running destination in Asia, highlighting Kipchoge’s presence as a way to inspire and engage local runners. As part of the event, Kipchoge will also lead training sessions and share insights to encourage wider participation in the sport.
At 39, Kipchoge’s move to a shorter race distance offers a fresh challenge after a demanding season. Earlier in 2024, he finished tenth in the Tokyo Marathon and faced an injury setback at the Paris Olympics, which forced him to drop out. This new partnership marks a rejuvenating step for Kipchoge and aligns with his broader mission to foster a “world of runners,” especially in emerging markets for the sport like Asia. Kipchoge sees tremendous potential in Thailand and the region for promoting running as a lifestyle, advocating that “a world of runners is a happy world.”
Thailand hopes Kipchoge’s presence will help draw more international events and athletes, boosting the nation’s profile in the global running scene and inspiring a new generation of runners across Asia.
