Eliud Kipchoge vs. Kenenisa Bekele — A Rivalry for the Ages

When the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon takes place on Sunday 2 November, the athletics world will be watching not only a major marathon but also what could be the final chapter in one of distance running’s greatest rivalries: Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya versus Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia.

The stakes

Kipchoge and Bekele will line up in New York in what is billed as their sixth marathon-distance showdown. (Athletics Weekly)

For Kipchoge, the race marks his debut at the New York course, thereby completing the “Abbott World Marathon Majors” set (he has raced and won at Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo). (Athletics Weekly)

For Bekele, this is a return to American soil and a chance to reassert himself at 43 years of age. (Mundo Deportivo)

It is expected to carry enormous symbolic weight — not just for the result, but for what it represents: two of the greatest endurance runners of all time, still going head-to-head as the sport continues to evolve around them.

Past encounters & record

On the track and in cross-country, Bekele dominated Kipchoge early in their careers: Bekele beat Kipchoge “in 11 of 13 meetings over 5,000m and 10,000m.” (Canadian Running Magazine)

Yet once they both moved into the marathon, the balance shifted: Kipchoge has come out ahead in four of their five prior marathon match-ups. (Athletics Weekly)

Here’s a summary of their marathon duels:

• 2014 Chicago: Kipchoge first, Bekele fourth. (Athletics Weekly)

• 2016 London: Kipchoge wins, Bekele third. (China News)

• 2017 Berlin: Kipchoge wins; Bekele did not finish (DNF). (Athletics Weekly)

• 2018 London: Kipchoge wins, Bekele sixth. (Athletics Weekly)

• 2024 Paris Olympics Marathon: Bekele accomplished a significant milestone (his only win vs Kipchoge) when the Kenyan dropped out. (soymaratonista.com)

Although Bekele has a shorter record of wins at the marathon distance compared with Kipchoge, his track history (including world records in the 5,000m and 10,000m) remains astonishing. (Gulf Times)

Why New York changes the script

The New York marathon presents a very different test compared with Berlin or London, where many of their earlier duels were staged. According to reports:

• The course has more undulating terrain, including the climb up the Queensboro Bridge and Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge. (Mundo Deportivo)

• For Kipchoge, this will be a debut on this course — his first time running the NYC route. (Athletics Weekly)

• For Bekele, the course suits his steady strength and experience.

• Given his age and history of “come-back” runs, some analysts suggest the New York terrain could level the playing field. (Mundo Deportivo)

In short, although Kipchoge has dominated their marathon rivalry, New York might offer the conditions for Bekele to mount a serious challenge — especially if Kipchoge is not quite at his peak.

Form, fitness & storyline

Both men are no longer in their physical prime, but the narrative is compelling:

• Kipchoge, aged about 40, is still chasing wins and legacy.

• But in recent outings his dominance has slightly waned. (Reuters)

• Bekele, at 43, has had his ups and downs — including a DNF in Valencia the previous year — yet he showed strong form, posting a remarkable 2:04:15 in the London Marathon for his age category. (Mundo Deportivo)

Other elements add to the drama: the fact that this may be their final major head-to-head; the milestone of Kipchoge completing all six major marathons; Bekele seeking one more major victory to cement his marathon legacy.

What to watch

Here are some key things to look out for on race day:

• Tactics vs speed: Kipchoge’s strength has been relentless pace and breaking the field early.

• Bekele might try a more conservative approach, capitalizing on terrain and potent late-race finishing.

• Course experience: Kipchoge’s inexperience with the New York course could be a factor.

• Bridges, hills, and the final miles in Central Park are unfamiliar terrain.

• Bekele has raced in NYC before (he finished sixth in 2021 with 2:12:52) which gives him an edge. (Athletics Weekly)

• Fitness and durability: Marathon at elite level demands everything go right — nutrition, pacing, injury avoidance.

• At their ages, the margin for error shrinks.

• Historical weight: Though this is “just another marathon” in one sense, the world sees it as one of the last great clashes of the era, which can add pressure (good or bad).

Implications

A victory by Kipchoge would further cement his status as the pre-eminent marathoner in history; another win over his great rival would stand out.

A win by Bekele, on the other hand, would reshape the narrative — he would not only claim a major victory at an advanced age, but tilt this rivalry more evenly and perhaps leave his mark as more than just the man who lost most of their head-to-heads.

This isn’t simply one race — it’s a chapter in a story that started on the cross-country and track circuits in the early 2000s, moved onto the roads and marathons, and now appears to be reaching a conclusion.

The New York stage promises intensity, legacy-driven performance, strategic chess on foot and, very likely, emotion.

Expect two masters at the peak of their craft, grappling with time, terrain and each other — and whichever way the result goes, the sport of marathon running will have witnessed something special.