Kipchoge responds to Barack Obama’s message after win, asks him for a favor

World record Marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge has responded to Former United States President Barack Obama’s congratulatory message after he won the INEOS Challenge that took place on Saturday 12 October.

In his tweet, Barack described Eliud and Brigid Kosgei, Kenyan runner who broke the Women’s World Record at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday 13 October, as ‘remarkable examples of humanity’s ability to endure’ after the historic run.

“Yesterday, marathoner Eliud Kipchoge became the first ever to break two hours. Today in Chicago, Brigid Kosgei set a new women’s world record. Staggering achievements on their own, they’re also remarkable examples of humanity’s ability to endure—and keep raising the bar,” said Barack Obama.

On Monday 14 October, Eliud responded to the former President and thanked him for being a great inspiration.

“Dear Mr. Obama, Thank you for your special words. In life we hope to inspire others. Thank you for inspiring me,” read part of the tweet by Eliud.

Kipchoge added that he would like to meet Barack Obama to discuss on how to make the world a ‘running world’.

“It would be my greatest honour if we could meet, and discuss how we can make this world a running world. As a running world is a peaceful world,” said Kipchoge.

Eliud broke the World Record on Saturday October 12 after he completed the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in 1:59.40.2, in Vienna, Austria.

Kipchoge attempted to break the two-hour barrier in May 2017 but failed, completing the marathon in 2hr 00min 25 secs.

The marathon champion says by completing the challenge, he wanted to show other people that nothing is impossible.