On July 12, Eliud Kipchoge will toe the line at the NB42K Porto Alegre Marathon — the second chapter in his globe‑circling venture, Eliud’s Running World — a project that blends competition, community outreach, and Kipchoge’s trademark philosophy that running is humanity’s shared language. After opening the tour in Cape Town, the world’s most decorated marathoner now drops into South America, continuing his quest to run a marathon on every continent while engaging local communities along the way.
A return to Brazil — and a return to origins
Porto Alegre offers Kipchoge a symbolic homecoming. Brazil is where he claimed his first Olympic marathon gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, a performance that helped cement his status as the sport’s global standard‑bearer. His presence adds gravitational pull to a marathon already rising fast on the South American circuit — a race known for its fervent crowds, competitive depth, and carnival‑like energy.
Kipchoge, ever the statesman of the sport, framed the moment with characteristic clarity:
“Running connects people beyond borders, cultures, and backgrounds… Returning to Brazil, after winning my first gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, is very special for me.”
It’s classic Kipchoge — the athlete who speaks softly, runs loudly, and treats every start line as an opportunity to unify rather than divide.
Porto Alegre’s growing global ambition
The NB42K Porto Alegre Marathon has quickly become one of South America’s marquee events, drawing elites and thousands of recreational runners each year. Kipchoge’s arrival doesn’t just elevate the race; it accelerates its ambitions. Suddenly, Porto Alegre isn’t just a regional highlight — it’s a destination on the world marathon map.
RunSports Brazil CEO Claudio Soirefmann captured the significance:
“Having Eliud Kipchoge at our race is much more than welcoming the greatest marathon runner of all time… It is an honor to create this historic moment and give Brazilian runners the opportunity to share the same start line with a true legend.”
Eliud’s Running World — more than a tour
Kipchoge’s world tour isn’t simply a competitive itinerary. It’s a community‑driven initiative designed to inspire participation, promote health and discipline, and support long‑term social and environmental programs through the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation. In each host city, Kipchoge connects with youth programs, local heroes, and grassroots running groups — using the marathon as a platform for unity and uplift.
Join the movement — virtually
Runners worldwide can join Kipchoge through a virtual run at eliudsrunningworld.com, uploading their run screenshots to contribute to a global community mileage total. Donations are optional but encouraged, and the Cape Town chapter alone raised more than €28,000 — a strong indicator of the project’s reach and resonance.
Mini‑series launch: Episode 1 — Cape Town
The first episode of Eliud’s Running World — a behind‑the‑scenes mini‑series documenting the tour — launches today. Episode 1 follows Kipchoge through Cape Town, offering a close look at the opening leg of his global journey and the community impact already unfolding.
Click here to watch.
Where to watch the race
The race will be livestreamed for free on youtube.com/@EliudsRunningWorld.
For more information visit www.eliudsrunningworld.com or his social media channels for exclusive behind the scene footage.
