Tears in Kenya: Eliud Kipchoge Steps Away from the New York Marathon to Stand by His Mother’s Side.

Tears in Kenya: Eliud Kipchoge Steps Away from the New York Marathon to Stand by His Mother’s Side.

 

In a rare and deeply emotional moment, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge has announced that he will not compete in the 2025 New York Marathon. The two-time Olympic champion, known globally for his discipline, humility, and near-superhuman endurance, revealed his decision during an unexpected press conference in New York City.

For 47 seconds, Kipchoge stood before the media in silence. His eyes were red, his composure wavering—an unusual sight for the athlete often described as the embodiment of calm. Then, in a trembling voice, he spoke just one sentence: “I cannot come to New York… because of my mother… I need to be with her – these may be her final days.”

The room fell completely silent. Journalists who had expected to hear about his race strategy or training updates were instead met with an intimate and heartbreaking confession. Kipchoge’s announcement spread rapidly across social media, sparking an outpouring of emotion from fans, fellow athletes, and public figures around the world.

Back home in Kenya, news of his mother’s illness has struck a national chord. For millions, Kipchoge is not just an athlete—he is a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and hope. His record-breaking run in Vienna, where he became the first human to complete a marathon in under two hours, turned him into a living legend. But this time, it is his humanity, not his speed, that has captured hearts.

“Eliud has given everything to this country,” one fan in Eldoret said through tears. “Now it’s our turn to stand by him.” Across the nation, Kenyans have held prayer vigils for his mother’s recovery, while messages of support continue to flood in.

Shortly after his announcement, World Athletics confirmed that Kipchoge had been granted a special one-week leave from all official engagements leading up to the marathon. Meanwhile, an online fundraising campaign—started by fans—has raised over 850,000 euros within just 24 hours to support his family during this difficult period. Kipchoge himself has not commented on the donations but is said to be “deeply moved” by the gesture.

Friends close to the athlete describe this as one of the toughest decisions of his career. “Eliud has run through pain, exhaustion, and defeat,” one training partner said. “But when it comes to family, there’s no race more important.”

Kipchoge’s absence from the New York Marathon will undoubtedly leave a void in the elite field, but his choice serves as a reminder of the values he has always preached: self-discipline, empathy, and balance. “A marathon is life,” he once said. “You must know when to push forward—and when to stop and breathe.”

As the running world sends prayers to Kenya, one thing is clear: Eliud Kipchoge may be stepping away from the starting line, but his grace, humility, and strength continue to inspire millions around the globe.