Eliud Kipchoge kicks off the ‘Eliud World Tour’ at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon this Sunday
It DSM-Firmenich running team is proud to announce that after months of anticipation, Eliud’s world tour kicks off this week in South Africa. The project is a new global initiative spearheaded by marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge, in which he will run seven marathons on all seven continents over the next 3 years with the goal of inspiring communities around the world.
The project officially kicks off at the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, where Kipchoge will take his place on the starting line at one of Africa’s fastest growing marathons and one of the world’s most popular running cities. It also marks Eliud’s first marathon on African soil, making the race special for Kipchoge.
Eliud’s World Tour is built around a simple yet powerful idea: to connect with runners everywhere, inspire people through sport and celebrate the universal language of running. Over the coming months and years, the initiative will see Kipchoge travel to major races and running destinations around the world, engaging directly with local communities, clubs, schools and fans.
“For me, running has always been about more than competition,” Kipchoge said. “Running brings people together. Through this world tour, I want to meet runners in every corner of the world, share experiences, inspire the next generation and continue to spread the message that no man is limited.”
The launch in Cape Town marks the symbolic start of the program. As one of the most vibrant and diverse marathon destinations in the world, the city reflects the inclusive and global ambitions of the initiative.
During the week of the race, Kipchoge will participate in community activations, youth engagement sessions and special events associated with the marathon, giving fans and runners a chance to get up close and personal with one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.
Online challenge
Runners around the world can join Eliud’s run through a virtual online challenge that starts this www.eliudsrunningworld.com. All uploaded runs are tracked in a digital hub, making it visible how runners around the world are coming together to raise funds for the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.
“Eliud has inspired millions through his accomplishments, humility and philosophy,” said Marlene Wink-Rennings of the DSM-Firmenich Running Team. “The Eliud World Tour is about bringing that inspiration directly to people around the world and making meaningful connections through running. Eliud has long said he wants to make this a running world. Because a running world is a happy world. We are excited to start this journey in Cape Town and put these words into action. Through the online challenge, we want to create a movement not only in Cape Town, but around the world.”
Along with its ambitions during the program, Eliud’s Running World aims to raise more than $1 million in funds for educational and environmental programs supported through the program. Eliud Kipchoge Foundation.
Widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner of all time, Kipchoge is a two-time Olympic marathon champion and former world record holder. His influence extends far beyond racing, inspiring runners around the world through his discipline, mindset and belief in human potential.
The Sanlam Cape Town Marathon will serve as the opening chapter of what promises to be a unique global celebration of running culture, community and opportunity.
Race day
Eliud Kipchoge will be joined by co DSM-Firmenich running team in the men’s field to teammates Mohamed Yesa and Maru Teferi. In the women’s race, Lonah Salpeter and Desi Jisa will compete in The Mother City.
