The 2025 New York Marathon was supposed to be another historic chapter for Eliud Kipchoge, the undisputed marathon legend from Kenya. However, Kipchoge’s unexpected 17th-place finish shocked the world and left fans questioning what had happened to the once-invincible athlete.
For years, Kipchoge dominated the marathon world with his unmatched consistency and unbreakable records, including his iconic sub-2-hour marathon. His triumphs made him a global icon and a symbol of Kenyan excellence in long-distance running. But his shocking 17th place finish at the 2025 New York Marathon signaled the end of an era.
The result was even more startling given Kipchoge’s prior statement about a “gentle transition” into new projects after the 2025 season. Fans were eager to see him gracefully move on from professional running, but the truth behind his abrupt retirement was far darker than anticipated. Behind closed doors, a doping scandal had already begun to unravel.
The shocking reality came to light when it was revealed that Eliud Kipchoge had been implicated in a massive doping scandal that involved the Kenyan government and major international sponsors. Documents and insider information exposed the systematic cover-up of performance-enhancing drug use within the Kenyan athletics system, with high-level involvement from government officials and corporate partners seeking to protect their financial interests.
Kipchoge, once celebrated for his natural talent and mental strength, found himself at the center of an explosive controversy that rocked the sports world. It wasn’t just about one athlete—it was about a deeply ingrained culture of corruption within Kenya’s athletic elite, where sponsorship deals, national pride, and government interests were prioritized over fair competition.
As the doping allegations gained traction, Kipchoge’s sponsors distanced themselves from him, and the Kenyan Athletics Federation moved swiftly to suspend him indefinitely. The timing was cruel, as Kipchoge was just days away from announcing his retirement. Instead of a heartfelt farewell, his legacy was tainted by the scandal that overshadowed his storied career.
What was truly devastating for Kipchoge, however, was the personal toll the scandal took on him. The marathoner, known for his discipline and determination, struggled to come to terms with the betrayal that had occurred not only in his professional life but also within his own government and the corporate entities he had trusted. The betrayal was not just from within the system; it came from the people who had been closest to him.
The Kenyan government’s involvement raised eyebrows across the globe, with critics questioning how far the country was willing to go to preserve its dominance in the sport. Some experts argued that the systemic nature of doping in Kenyan athletics was not limited to Kipchoge, but an entrenched practice that had long been ignored by authorities, despite numerous accusations and warnings.
In the days following the marathon, Kipchoge remained silent, his public image in tatters. Fans who once revered him now found themselves grappling with the painful truth behind his meteoric rise. As more details of the scandal emerged, there were whispers of other athletes who had been part of the same network, adding layers to the growing conspiracy that had turned Kenya’s athletics into a shadow of its former glory.
Despite the heartbreaking fall from grace, Kipchoge’s legacy remains complicated. His past achievements and record-breaking feats cannot be easily erased, but the doping scandal that now defines his career has left a permanent stain on his reputation. As the sport grapples with this revelation, the question remains: How much longer can the world ignore the systemic issues that have tainted Kenyan athletics?
For Eliud Kipchoge, what seemed like a natural retirement transition has been hijacked by scandal and betrayal, marking the end of an era in marathon running and leaving his fans, the sports world, and his sponsors reeling from the truth behind his fall from grace. The marathon legend’s story is now one of shocking downfall and a reminder of the dark side of sportsmanship and corporate influence.
