Marathon legend Abel Kirui retires

Kirui, who has been a mainstay in global marathons for years, says the time is right to step away from the track and support the sport from a different angle.

The 42-year-old celebrated athlete expressed satisfaction with his journey, highlighting the 20-year span as an active elite athlete.

“It’s been twenty years in active sport, always running clean, I think it is my time to say bye. I’ve had my time, and now it’s time to support others,” said Kirui, who emphasized his continued dedication to uplifting young athletes.

Kirui now transitions into a new role as Deputy Director of Sports and Chaplaincy at the Administration Police.

He says the position will allow him to give back to society and mentor the next generation, both in sports and personal development.

“My service has considered me as the deputy director for sports and chaplaincy and I thank them for that, through this position I will make sure I use it to produce even more Abel Kiruis.”

A true legend of long-distance running, Kirui enjoyed back-to-back marathon gold medals at the World Championships in Berlin (2009) and Daegu (2011).

In 2009, he clocked 2:06.54 and made history in 2011 by winning with the largest margin ever in a World Championship marathon, 2 minutes and 28 seconds.

At the 2012 London Olympics, Kirui secured a silver medal in the marathon, cementing his legacy on the global stage.

He also claimed victories at the 2008 Vienna City Marathon and the 2016 Chicago Marathon, where he beat fellow Kenyan Dickson Chumba by just three seconds in a thrilling finish. He was runner-up at both the 2007 Berlin and 2017 Chicago Marathons.

Even in the twilight of his career, Kirui remained competitive, posting impressive fourth-place finishes at the 2017 and 2018 London Marathons with sub-2:08 times.

As he steps into sports leadership and chaplaincy, Abel Kirui leaves behind not just medals and titles, but a legacy of discipline, consistency, and inspiration to future athletes.