Paris 2024: No dream finale for Kipchoge at the Olympics after tough outing

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge and other athletes compete in the men's marathon of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris on Saturday. [AFP]

Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was hoping for a dream finale to his career at the age of 39 but ended up handing over his running shoes to a fan.

The only man to run under two hours -- albeit in an unofficial race -- the Kenyan superstar decided enough was enough in Paris and stopped running around the 30-kilometre mark.

In scenes captured by an AFP reporter in the crowd, Kipchoge turned to fans and handed over his shoes, bib and socks to supporters, receiving a rapturous reception.

He then climbed wearily into a waiting van and was driven away as the crowd cheered wildly.

Kipchoge was aiming to win a historic third straight gold but was about eight minutes off the pace when he decided to throw in the towel.

For Kipchoge though, it was "a tough day at the office".

"This is my worst marathon. I have never done a DNF (did not finish). That's life," he said.

He said he experienced pain in his back after the 20-kilometre mark.

Kipchoge was non-committal on his future.

"I don't know what my future will hold. I will think about it over the next three months. I still want to try to run some marathons," he said.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian Tamirat Tola delivered a masterclass in solo front running to win the Olympic men's marathon.

Tola clocked an Olympic record of 2hr 06min 26sec for victory, finishing 21 seconds ahead of Belgium's Bashir Abdi, whose silver marked an upgrade from his bronze garnered at the Covid-hit Tokyo Games three years ago.

Kenya's Benson Kipruto, winner of Tokyo, Boston and Chicago marathons in recent years, rounded out the podium, a further 13sec adrift.

The other Kenyan in the race Alexander Mutiso Munyao finished in 21st position after 2:10:31.

"Thank you, Paris!" said Tola, the 2016 Olympic 10,000m bronze medallist who will be 33 on Sunday.

"I'm happy today, I was 2022 world champion and now I'm Olympic champion.

"It's the greatest day in my life. This was my goal."

Tola, a late call-up to replace injury-hit Sisay Lemma, won gold at the 2022 world championships in Eugene.

More recently he finished third at last year's London Marathon and won the New York City Marathon in a course record of 2:04.58.

"I was the reserve in the Ethiopian team, but when Sisay had injuries, then I had a chance to represent him," Tola said.

"I was fully prepared and knew I could fulfil my dream. This is the Olympics and it is not easy to win the Olympic Games, not at all. I am very proud, very happy."