In a moment that left the running world in tears, marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge broke down during a post-race interview at the 2025 New York City Marathon. The 40-year-old Kenyan icon, who finished a shocking 17th with a time of 2:14:36, confessed through sobs: “I don’t want to keep secrets anymore. Please forgive me. I’m still dealing with an old injury, and I truly wasn’t in my best physical condition. I tried my hardest – I gave everything. Please understand me. I’m truly sorry to all my fans.”
This raw, emotional outburst from the usually stoic Kipchoge has sparked a global wave of sympathy, support, and admiration. Fans worldwide are rallying behind the greatest marathoner of all time, flooding social media with messages of love and encouragement. But what led to this heartbreaking revelation? Let’s dive into the full story of Kipchoge’s NYC Marathon debut – a race filled with highs, lows, and an unforgettable confession that humanizes a living legend.
The 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, held on November 2, drew over 50,000 runners through the five boroughs, but all eyes were on Eliud Kipchoge. Making his debut on the iconic, hilly 26.2-mile course just three days before his 41st birthday, Kipchoge aimed to complete the Abbott World Marathon Majors’ Seven Star set. He had already conquered Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and Sydney – winning 11 majors in total – but NYC’s bridges and twists promised a unique challenge.
Kipchoge started strong, staying with the lead pack through the early miles. Clad in a long-sleeved Nike Radical AirFlow shirt for the chilly conditions, he looked composed as the elites hit halfway in around 1:03. But by kilometer 25, the toll became evident. He dropped from the front group, battling alone as younger runners surged ahead. Kenyan compatriot Benson Kipruto ultimately claimed victory in a photo-finish sprint (2:08:09), edging Alexander Mutiso by 0.03 seconds, with Albert Korir third.
Kipchoge crossed the line in 2:14:36 – over six minutes behind the winner and his slowest major marathon time ever (excluding DNFs). For a man who once broke the two-hour barrier in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge and held the world record (2:01:09 in Berlin 2022), this was uncharted territory. Yet, he held off Japan’s Yudai Fukuda to secure 17th, earning his Seven Star Medal and a place in the hall of fame.
In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri shattered the course record with 2:19:51, pulling away for her second NYC title. But Kipchoge’s performance stole the emotional spotlight.
As Kipchoge approached the media zone in Central Park, the weight of the day crashed down. Cameras captured the marathon GOAT – two-time Olympic champion, philosopher of “no human is limited” – wiping away tears. “I don’t want to keep secrets anymore,” he began, voice cracking. “Please forgive me.”
He revealed the truth he’d buried for months: lingering effects from a hip/waist injury that forced him to DNF at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “I’m still injured,” Kipchoge admitted. “I wasn’t in my best shape. I pushed through three majors this year – Sydney (9th), London (6th), and now this – but my body isn’t 100%. I tried my absolute hardest. I gave every ounce of energy. Please understand… I’m truly sorry to disappoint my fans, my country, and everyone who believes in me.”
This wasn’t just about one race. Kipchoge hinted NYC might be his last elite major, shifting focus to “Eliud’s Running World” – a project to run marathons on all seven continents, starting with Antarctica. “I have nothing more to prove,” he said earlier in the week. But the injury confession added layers: Why race hurt? For the fans, the legacy, the sheer love of running.
Photos of Kipchoge shedding a single tear post-finish went viral, humanizing the unbreakable champion. One image from AFP showed him emotional yet smiling, waving to crowds who chanted his name.
Kipchoge’s struggles aren’t new. In 2024, a waist/hip issue ended his Olympic defense at mile 19. He bounced back in 2025 with solid showings: 6th in London (April) and 9th in Sydney (August). But racing three majors in one year – a first for him – amplified the strain. Experts note his age (turning 41) and NYC’s demanding hills exacerbated the old injury.
“Doctors cleared me, but pain lingers,” Kipchoge shared. “I hid it because I didn’t want excuses. Running is mental – 90% mind, 10% body. But today, my body spoke louder.”
His physio, Peter Nduhiu, has long praised Kipchoge’s injury prevention through core work. Yet, even legends falter. This confession echoes his 2023 Boston loss (6th), where he cited a leg issue but vowed comeback.
The response? Overwhelming love. #ForgiveKipchoge trended worldwide, with millions of posts:
- “Eliud, you’ve given us EVERYTHING. No apologies needed!
” – @NikeRunning - “From sub-2 to tears: This is why we love you. Human and heroic.” – Fan from Kenya
- Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey (a marathon finisher) tweeted: “Eliud Kipchoge taught us limits are illusions. Today, he reminds us vulnerability is strength.”
Kenyan President William Ruto called him “our eternal champion,” while rivals like Kipruto praised: “He’s the reason we run.” Support poured in from runners globally, many sharing personal injury stories. Fundraising for Kipchoge’s foundation spiked, honoring his NN Running Team and youth programs.
Why This Matters: Lessons from the GOAT
Kipchoge’s confession isn’t defeat – it’s inspiration. In a sport obsessed with PBs and podiums, he reminds us:
- Vulnerability Builds Legends: Hiding pain? Normal. Sharing it? Brave.
- Age is Just a Number: At 40+, he completed seven majors. What’s your excuse?
- Fans Are Family: His apology shows gratitude. We forgive because he’s given joy to billions.
- The Future Beckons: Antarctica next? Kipchoge’s “extreme” plans prove running never ends.
As he launches eliudsrunningworld.com, Kipchoge eyes continental marathons for fun, not glory. “Running changes lives,” he says. His NYC tears? A pivot to mentorship.
Eliud Kipchoge’s 17th-place finish and tearful confession at the 2025 NYC Marathon mark a poignant chapter’s end. Still injured, not at his best, yet he gave his all – and asked for forgiveness. Fans didn’t just understand; they embraced him tighter.
To the marathon king: No forgiveness needed. You’ve inspired generations. Run on, Eliud – the world runs with you.
