Isuzu East Africa launches special edition D-Max in honor of Eliud Kipchoge

Isuzu East Africa on Thursday launched a special model of the D-Max pickup at the Isuzu East Africa headquarters in Nairobi in honor of World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

The company unveiled the limited edition D-Max known as Eliud 159 in line with Kipchoge’s sub two-hour marathon of 1:59:40 that he ran at the INEOS Challenge in 2019.

Rita Kavashe, who is the Isuzu East Africa managing director, said the new model of Isuzu D-Max is a celebration of the achievements of Kipchoge, who broke his own record two weeks ago in Berlin, running two hours, one minute and nine seconds.

“We are going to co-create an elite D-Max pickup 159 and the first 001 will be Eliud Kipchoge’s vehicle. Again, that vehicle is to continue the conversation around us as a country beginning to appreciate more fundamentally the role of sports in terms of economic development,” Kavashe said.

She added that the special edition D-Max will be available for customers who want to own a piece of history and support Kipchoge’s legacy.

Kipchoge, who was present at the launch, expressed his gratitude and humility for the recognition and support from Isuzu East Africa.

“I am honored and privileged to be present on this extraordinary day, witnessing the launch of the remarkable Eliud Kipchoge 159 Limited Special D-Max Edition. Today marks a significant milestone in my career journey, and I want to express my gratitude to each one of you who has joined Isuzu and me in this joyous celebration,” he said.

“I am truly humbled by this gesture, recognizing the dedication and hard work of our team members who have transformed this vision into the reality we see before us. This vehicle not only represents my personal accomplishments but also embodies the spirit of strength, resilience and excellence that propels us forward,” he added.

Kipchoge also thanked Isuzu East Africa for their unwavering support since their partnership began in 2017 and praised their leadership and products.

“Isuzu, I am immensely grateful for your belief in me. You have been the guiding light in my journey, and my team and I remain committed to making Kenya and our society proud,” he said.

He also shared his inspiring story of running and overcoming challenges with passion and perseverance.

“Running has taught me invaluable lessons in discipline, perseverance and resilience. It has shown me how our talents and abilities can create a positive impact on the world around us,” he said.

He urged everyone to keep their hopes and dreams alive and to believe that no human is limited.

“It is my sincere hope that this remarkable vehicle and my story will inspire others to pursue their passions relentlessly, push their limits even further and create positive change within their communities,” he concluded.

The Eliud 159 Limited Special D-Max Edition is a customized version of the Isuzu D-Max double cab pickup, featuring a unique design, enhanced performance and exclusive features. It will be available for sale at selected Isuzu dealerships across the country and only 159 will be produced.