After twenty years spent shaping his legacy and selling the sport, Eliud Kipchoge crossed the finish line of a World Marathon Major one last time. With his seventh star now secured, he is ready to step away from the big stage. But that doesn’t mean the 41-year-old’s done running. Free from the pressure of chasing records, the marathon legend now sets his sights on a new goal: running across the world, and he means that quite literally.

“I have dreamed about running the biggest marathon in the world, but I’m about to start my biggest adventure yet — a new dream: seven marathons on all seven continents,” Kipchoge shared on his Instagram before the race.

The legendary marathoner was only a child when he began running long distances, chasing the feeling of freedom. He would go from jogging to and from school to winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, aged 20. But now, 2three days away from turning 41, after 11 major marathon victories and two world records, he realizes competing and winning is no longer his priority.

According to his manager, Valentijn Trouw, Kipchoge still intends to line up with the elites, but this time, the mission runs deeper than speed. After two decades of chasing records, he now aims to celebrate the sport itself, connecting with fans.

Kipchoge is looking to run across the seven continents within two years, and yes, he might run in Antarctica as well, “I will run in Antarctica!” he answered assuredly in his conversation with the Olympics. “I now want to do that extreme thing that can make someone work hard…”

Eliud Kipchoge’s New York City Marathon debut went just as he anticipated. The Kenyan icon finished 17th in 2:14:36, trailing winner Benson Kipruto by 6 minutes and 27 seconds. With that, the two-time Olympic champion completed his Seven Star Hall of Fame quest, having already conquered Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin, and Chicago. As he nears 41, the marathon legend bows out with an extraordinary 11 World Marathon Major victories. So, what’s coming for him? Let’s find out.

“A lot is in store, which I will roll out after New York,” said Eliud Kipchoge

Eliud Kipchoge began the New York Marathon among the frontrunners, setting a blistering pace that left others trailing. But after the halfway mark, the two-time Olympic champion started to fade, gradually losing touch with the lead pack. Despite the roaring crowd urging him on, “The King of the Road” couldn’t reclaim his stride, finishing a distant 17th, a bittersweet ending to his New York debut.

So, is this the end of his elite career? “Absolutely yes!” he declared ahead of the marathon. “A lot is in store which I will roll out after New York…it will be an interesting journey…to do other things.” Though stepping away from elite racing, he isn’t hanging up his shoes just yet. His next chapter, he revealed, will focus on purpose and philanthropy. “I will run even 50 kilometres in Saudi Arabia. I want to do that extreme thing that can make somebody work hard and also get partners (sponsors) to rally for a cause.”

Eyeing all seven continents, Eliud Kipchoge plans to run across the roughest terrains and the coldest climates within the next two years, but will he be able to achieve it? Only time will tell.