Who Is Samuel Wanjiru? Age, Biography and Wiki
Samuel Wanjiru, born on November 10, 1986, is celebrated as one of Kenya's most remarkable long-distance runners. Renowned for his outstanding achievements in marathons, Wanjiru burst onto the international scene when he won the Olympic gold medal in the marathon at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. His exceptional talent and work ethic set him apart, and he holds numerous marathon records that underline his legacy in the sport. In 2025, Samuel Wanjiru continues to inspire many athletes worldwide, although his life took a tragic turn earlier.
| Occupation | Athlete |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 10, 1986 |
| Age | 24 Years |
| Birth Place | Nyahururu, Kenya |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Kenya |
| Date of death | 15 May, 2011 |
| Died Place | Nyahururu, Kenya |
Popularity
Samuel Wanjiru's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Samuel Wanjiru stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and weighs around 125 pounds (57 kg). His athletic build and strict training regimen have contributed to his remarkable endurance and speed, making him a dominant force in long-distance running throughout his career.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Samuel Wanjiru's personal life has been the subject of much speculation. He is known to have been deeply in love during various stages of his life; however, the complexities of his relationships have often been highlighted in media narratives. Although his marital status and current partner are not publicly confirmed, he is remembered for his past relationships which significantly shaped his public persona.
and was brought up with his brother Simon Njoroge in poverty by his mother Hannah Wanjiru, daughter of Samuel Kamau. Wanjiru took his mother's given name as a surname, because she was a single mother. He dropped out of school aged about 12, because they could not afford the school fees.
Net Worth and Salary
Samuel Wanjiru, throughout his career, accumulated an estimated net worth ranging between $1 million to $5 million. This wealth primarily came from his athletic endorsements, winnings from races, and sponsorship deals. His earnings have fluctuated over the years, but the impact of his achievements in athletics remains invaluable.
Career, Business and Investments
Samuel Wanjiru's career soared from the moment he became the Olympic champion in 2008. With multiple marathon wins under his belt, including prestigious events like the Chicago and London Marathons, Wanjiru was not only an athlete but also a prominent figure in sports investments. After retiring from competitive participation, it is speculated that he engaged in various business ventures, focusing on sports training facilities and youth development programs in Kenya.
Wanjiru began drinking alcohol when he moved to Japan, and it increased and became a major part of his life. Despite that, his marathoning career continued successfully, though his personal life became somewhat chaotic.
Social Network
Wanjiru has maintained a moderate presence on social media, where he shares his insights on running, motivation, and personal stories. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become outlets for fans and aspiring runners to connect with him, seek advice, and gain insights into his training regimen and experiences. His social media handles have turned into platforms for inspiration amidst his sports and business endeavors.
Education
Regarding education, Samuel Wanjiru attended local schools in Kenya where he excelled in athletics from a young age. While specific details about his educational qualifications remain scarce, his journey reflects a strong commitment to combining his studies with his athletic training.
Wanjiru started running at the age of 8. In 2002, he moved to Japan and went to Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School in Sendai. He had success on the Japanese cross country circuit, where he won the Fukuoka International Cross Country at sixteen years old in 2003.
He went on to win in both Fukuoka and at the Chiba International Cross Country consecutively in 2004 and 2005. After graduating in 2005, he joined the Toyota Kyūshū athletics team, coached by 1992 Olympic marathon silver medalist Koichi Morishita.