Abel Kirui calls time on illustrious 20-year running career
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 22.07.25. | 13:45
His last recorded marathon is from May 2025 where he clocked 2:21:56
Two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui has called time on a career spanning two decades, taking up an administrative role that will help him shape more world beaters.
Kirui achieved his back-to-back wins in the World Championship marathon, with a maiden title in 2009, clocking 2:06:54 in Berlin.
Follow Our WhatsApp Channel For More News
He then defended his title, in Daegu 2011, with a winning margin of two minutes and 28 seconds, the largest ever margin at the World Championship event.
His results also include silver medal in the 2012 London Olympic marathon.
"It has been a good 20 years in active the sport. As I say bye, I promise to continue inspiring the next generation. I am glad to have run clean and without major problems for this long. To my employer, coaches and fans, I am grateful for the support. I leave with records that I would I am proud of," he announced on the sidelines of the Athletics Kenya World Championship trials at Ulinzi Complex.
"I have taken up the role of Deputy Director Sports and Chaplaincy for the Kenya Administration Police, a role I will use to produce better athletes for the force and for Team Kenya," he continued.
Kirui's career began at the very competitive police recruitment races after school and after two years running on track (2004/2005)before making his debut in the classic distance.
He entered the 2006 Berlin Marathon as a pacemaker, but finished the race ninth. He also ran the Singapore Marathon the same year.
.jpg)
At the 2007 Berlin Marathon, Kirui finished second with a time of 2:06:51, after the winner Haile Gebrselassie, who set a new marathon world record in 2:04:26.
Kirui's last marathon was in May 2025 in Cali. He exits the stage having recorded a 2:05:04 personal best (PB).
His switch to chaplaincy comes as no suprise for the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) believer who has donated land for a church back home.
.jpg)