Eliud Kipchoge is set to compete in the London Marathon for the first time in five years. The 40-year-old has won the iconic race on a record four occasions and will look to add a fifth victory today.

Kipchoge has many fond memories of the city, having won the London Marathon four times between 2015 and 2019. The Kenyan is a two-time Olympic champion, but Kipchoge faced questions over his future in the sport after he failed to cross the finish line at the Paris Games last year. However, the former world record holder shut down retirement talk ahead of his return to London.

“I’m really excited to be back to run again on the streets of London,” Kipchoge said to The Independent. “What makes London so special is the fans.

“I love the sport. I am happy when I can inspire somebody somewhere in the world. That’s what motivates me to get up in the morning and run. It’s purely about the love for the sport and inspiring others.

“[The Olympics] was not my day. It’s not always straight [forward]. Sometimes you hit a bump. It’s like driving a car and getting a puncture. That’s what happened [in Paris]. It was a big challenge. It was demoralising. But it’s sport. You have to wake up, go again, and push on every day.