PARIS (AFP) – Two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge was hoping for a dream finale to his career at the age of 39 but ended up handing over his running shoes to a fan.
The only man to run under two hours – albeit in an unofficial race – the Kenyan superstar decided enough was enough in Paris and stopped running around the 30-kilometre mark.
In scenes captured by an AFP reporter in the crowd, Kipchoge turned to fans and handed over his shoes, bib and socks to supporters, receiving a rapturous reception.
He then climbed wearily into a waiting van and was driven away as the crowd cheered wildly.
Kipchoge was aiming to win a historic third straight gold but was about eight minutes off the pace when he decided to throw in the towel.
