Kenyan distance-running icon Eliud Kipchoge is set to make an unexpected return to the 10km distance when he lines up for the Amazing Thailand Road Race in Bangkok on Sunday, November 30.
Kipchoge, widely celebrated as the greatest marathoner in history, has not formally raced over 10 kilometres in more than a decade.
His personal best over the distanceb28:11 was set in 2009 in the Netherlands, while his last competitive 10km appearance came in 2014 at the historic Castelbuono race in Italy, where he finished second.
The 39-year-old will not be chasing records this weekend. Instead, his participation is part of his ambassadorial duties for the event and for Thailand, where he also serves as Tourism, Sports, and Cultural Ambassador.
Kipchoge has run the Thailand 10km before, joining more than 35,000 runners in last year’s edition. At the time, he described the experience as “special,” emphasising the cultural exchange, the enthusiasm of participants, and the joy of running past some of Bangkok’s most recognisable landmarks.
“I really enjoyed the cultural experience and meeting runners from different walks of life. Thailand is truly amazing,” Kipchoge wrote on Instagram after last year’s race.
The double Olympic marathon champion confirmed this week that he is already back in Asia ahead of Sunday’s run.
“Thailand, it’s good to be back. Next stop: Bangkok!” he posted on Facebook, hinting at several engagements lined up before he hits the road.
Kipchoge heads to Bangkok just weeks after a disappointing outing at the New York City Marathon, where he finished 17th in one of the toughest performances of his career.
But the marathon great has maintained that the next phase of his career is about exploring, inspiring, and redefining how elite runners engage with the sport.
“I want to sell a new story that I don’t always need to run very fast,” he said recently.
“What I also want is to show young people that you can still push limits and run more marathons.”
While the Bangkok 10km is not a competitive target for Kipchoge, his participation is expected to draw global attention to the event and reaffirm his commitment to promoting running culture worldwide.
Organisers say they anticipate another massive turnout for this year’s edition, boosted by the presence of one of the sport’s most revered figures.
ALSO READ: 250 Golfers set to compete in the 5th edition of NCBA golf series grand finale at Muthaiga
