On Saturday, world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge officiated a mini marathon for children at Buckingham Palace before planting the first tree to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s death in Greenwich Park, England.
The two-time Olympic marathon champion also took the opportunity to rally behind Team Kenya ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday in the British capital.
Kipchoge is in London as a guest of the London Marathon and The Queen’s Green Canopy, the royal family’s environmental conservation foundation.
Kipchoge, who was accompanied by Hugh Brasher, the chief director of the London Marathon, oversaw 3,000 children cross the finish line at Buckingham Palace, where the marathon will conclude.
The event was designed to encourage more young people to participate in athletics.
“The London Marathon will be 50 years old in 2030, and the organizers hope to attract 30,000 children,” Kipchoge said.
“This is a good idea to attract many people to sports; therefore, all World Marathon Majors and race organizers in Kenya should replicate this good idea.”
Kipchoge, who broke his own world record by winning the Berlin Marathon in two hours, one minute and nine seconds on Sunday, believes the London Marathon should serve as a model for the rest of the world.
