Eliud Kipchoge speaks after Boston Marathon defeat

By Peter Ochieng

Legendary marathoner Eliud Kipchoge says he tried his all to win the 2023 Boston Marathon on Monday, but it was not to be.

The 38-year-old marathoner finished 6th on his Boston Marathon debut, as his compatriot Evans Chebet defended his 2022 title in a time of 2:05:54.

It was Kipchoge's only 3rd defeat in 18 marathon attempts.

Breaking his silence after the race, Kipchoge, famously known as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) said he put his best foot forward on Monday, but it was not his day.

"I live for the moments where I get to challenge the limits. It’s never guaranteed, it’s never easy. Today was a tough day for me. I pushed myself as hard as I could but sometimes, we must accept that today wasn’t the day to push the barrier to a greater height," wrote Kipchoge in a message shared on social media.

"I want to congratulate my competitors and thank everyone in Boston and from home for the incredible support I am so humbled to receive. In sports you win and you lose and there is always tomorrow to set a new challenge. Excited for what’s ahead," he added.

He had hopped to win the Boston Marathon to keep alive chances of winning all the six world marathon majors.

Kipchoge has already won Tokyo, London, Chicago and Berlin marathons, with New York and Boston the only missing crowns.

President William Ruto congradulated Chebet for the win, but was quick to call Kipchoge a beast for what he has achieved over the course of his career.

"Congratulations Evans Chebet for triumphantly defending your Boston Marathon title. Well in Benson Kipruto for bringing home Bronze. Your incredible outing highlights your daredevil attitude. Eliud Kipchoge, you are the beast: an inspiration to generations to dream far beyond their potential. Hongera," said the Head of State.

Kipchoge says he will only retire when his body 'will not be able to continue.'