Eliud Kipchoge ends his elite marathon journey with a heartfelt gift for former US President Barack Obama

Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge ran his final elite race at the New York City Marathon on November 2nd. The Kenyan icon finished 17th with a time of 2:14:36, just missing the podium but achieving something greater, completing his “seven-star” dream. The race marked the end of an extraordinary era for one of the greatest runners in history.

But the finish line wasn’t the highlight of his day. After the marathon, Kipchoge met the man he had always wanted to meet! The former US President Barack Obama . The meeting turned emotional and memorable as the veteran gifted the former leader his signed Nike Alphafly 3 shoes, the same pair he wore during his historic 2023 Berlin Marathon victory.

Eliud Kipchoge’s dream meeting with Barack Obama

https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwnZQADBWV/?igsh=dHZ3b3EzdXU3Y3ls https://www.instagram.com/p/DQwnZQADBWV/?igsh=dHZ3b3EzdXU3Y3ls

In his recent Instagram post, Eliud Kipchoge shared that he and Barack Obama discussed leadership, legacy, and how sports can empower young people.

“We also explored ways the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation and the Obama Foundation can work together on causes close to our hearts. Together, we hope to help young people believe that no dream is too distant and no beginning too small”, Kipchoge wrote.

Notably, these shoes carried great meaning as they were the same pair from his 2023 Berlin Marathon win, which made him the first-ever five-time champion there. While they weren’t his world-record pair, they still symbolized his spirit of excellence.

Meanwhile, Kipchoge and Obama’s bond began years ago. In 2019, after Kipchoge’s historic sub-two-hour marathon at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, Obama praised him on X. Kipchoge replied, thanking him and expressing his hope to meet one day. That dream finally came true at the NYC Marathon.

The race also brought forward a viral emotional moment as Kipchoge’s ardent fan, Max McKone, broke into tears as he saw his hero running by.

Seeing his love for his idol, Kipchoge’s team invited Max McKone to meet him in a private setup. Speaking to his icon, McKone said, “No human is limited,” to which Kipchoge smiled and replied, “We are trying to tell everybody: please don’t be limited. Whether you are walking, running, a regular basketball player, footballer, or driver, don’t be limited! Push your limits, because that’s what life needs.”

As Eliud Kipchoge bids adieu to the marathon, the veteran will be missed in every upcoming major tournament.

Also Read: “I don’t pick a non-boxer opponent" - Manny Pacquiao chooses between Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his reason will shock you