Kipchoge Retires From Running to Pursue Lifelong Dream of Playing Drums in a Rush Tribute Band
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Main image via depositphotos.com
In a stunning denouement to an extraordinary career, Kenyan marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge dropped out of Saturday’s Olympic marathon in Paris and delivered an unexpected announcement: He will quit running competitively to pursue his lifelong dream of playing drums in a Rush tribute band.
Kipchoge, a former world record holder and two-time Olympic marathon winner, had been hoping for a third Olympic Gold in Paris. Instead, he stopped just past the 30 kilometer mark.
“This was my worst marathon ever,” the 39-year-old told reporters later. “I have never had a DNF before.”
“However, I choose to view this as a sign, and an opportunity,” he said. “Therefore I have decided to end my professional running career and devote myself to my true passions—percussion, and the music of Rush.”
“I want to continue to inspire people, and what better way to do that than by sharing the soaring prog rock of classic albums like ‘2112’ and ‘Moving Pictures’?”
Rush, a Canadian rock band formed in 1968, consisted of Geddy Lee (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards), Alex Lifeson (guitar), and Neil Peart (drums). Peart died in 2020, at age 67, prompting lead singer Geddy Lee to declare that Rush was “over.”
Kipchoge’s announcement appeared to take reporters and fans alike by surprise, though a few fellow elites later said they’d caught Kipchoge humming, whistling, and even singing bits of such Rush classics as “Closer to the Heart” and “Fly By Night”—even during competition.
Sources described Kipchoge as a “decent” drummer, but predicted he would improve quickly now that he has more time to practice.
“He’s no Neil Peart, as he’ll be the first to admit,” said one source, who requested anonymity. “But the love is there, and I’ve never seen him happier than when he’s behind his drum kit.”
It remains unclear whether Kipchoge already has fellow band members lined up, or if he intends to recruit them.
Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia won the race in 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 26 seconds—an Olympic record. He did not respond to a message from Dumb Runner asking about his favorite Rush album.
