'It's a Real Concern' - Eliud Kipchoge Opens Up on the Hidden Struggles of Athletes

Marathon icon Eliud Kipchoge has voiced serious concerns over the significant pay disparity affecting young athletes, warning that it leaves them vulnerable to exploitation.

The Kenyan superstar's comments came as he announced his participation in the new World Marathon Tour, where he highlighted the urgent need for a more transparent and equitable compensation system, particularly for long-distance runners.

In a recent interview with the BBC Africa, Eliud Kipchoge did not mince words about the financial struggles facing many in his sport.

"I am not satisfied with how athletes are being handled or how they are being paid," he stated. "The sports world is making huge profits, but very little goes to the athlete."

To illustrate the dire consequences of this neglect, the former world marathon record holder pointed to the tragic case of Evans Kibet.

The promising Kenyan middle-distance runner sought better opportunities in Russia, only to be conscripted into the military and is now reportedly a prisoner of war in Ukraine.

"It’s a real concern. And it’s a huge gap," Eliud Kipchoge explained. "If you do not appreciate somebody, they will move away, and if they move away without knowledge, that is a real window for exploitation."

Eliud Kipchoge, who recently turned 41, is now shifting his focus from personal accolades to a broader mission.

His involvement in the World Marathon Tour, which will see him run a marathon on every continent, is driven by a new sense of purpose.

"What I am doing is not retiring. I am evolving," he revealed. "I am running for a purpose. Running is the most universal sport. It connects us all. With this project, I aim not only to break records but also to inspire people. I want to inspire, to give back, and to remind everyone that no human is limited."

Meanwhile, the World Tour will see him compete in seven marathons across all seven continents over the next two years.

Moving away from a focus on world records, the five-time Berlin Marathon champion intends to use this journey to ‘preach the gospel of running’ and raise funds for his foundation’s education and environmental projects.

The tour is expected to include extreme challenges, such as a marathon in Antarctica, as Eliud Kipchoge seeks to inspire a new generation and prove once again that ‘no human is limited.’