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Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge has made history as the first man to run a marathon in under two hours, breaking the sub-2-hour barrier by 20 seconds.
The 34-year-old Olympic Champion completed the 42km race in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge staged on the streets of Vienna, Austria on Saturday.
However, IAAF will not recognize the time as the official marathon world record because it was not an open competition and Kipchoge used a team of rotating pacemakers.
Kipchoge shattered the two-hour barrier in his second attempt, having missed out by 25 seconds in the first attempt in Italy in 2017.
He is the current holder of the official marathon World Record, a time of 2 hours 01 minute 39 seconds set at the Berlin Marathon in 2018.
“I’m feeling good, after Roger Bannister, it took 63 years. I am the happiest man to run under two hours and I can tell people no human is limited. I have tried to inspire many people, you can do it. It’s dedication, it was a hard run,” Kipchoge said at the finish line.
“It means a lot to Kenya, running under two hours, together we can make a beautiful world.”
He thanked all those who supported him through the race, including the sponsors of the event, pacemakers, his family and fans.
“They (my wife and kids) have given me so much support, I’m happy they came here to witness history,” Kipchoge said.
“The positivity of sport, I want it to be a clean and interesting sport, wake up early in the morning and run. It can be good for all.”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed termed Kipchoge’s win as a huge victory for Kenya.
“On behalf of the government, the Ministry congratulates and highly commends Eliud Kipchoge for this outstanding performance. We assure Kenyans that an appropriate consideration or reward will be extended to Kipchoge for inspiring other athletes to break existing standards” Amina said from Vienna.
“His success is also a victory for those who believe in the unlimited possibilities of human potential. Through this Challenge, Kipchoge has demonstrated, to use his own words, that “when you work hard and when you believe in yourself, anything is possible”.
Kipchoge, who was assisted by an army of 41 pacemakers, enters the Guinness Book of World Records for running the first sub-two-hour marathon.
The 41 pacemakers were divided into groups of seven, with five running in front of Kipchoge in a ‘V’ formation, and two behind to dictate the pace and protect him from the wind.
Comments
If Uhuru and his administration cared they could gave made arrangements for Kipchoge to do this in Kenya. This is a simple race to organise.
@ Guest #13 ,probably,but i highly doubt it. The following factors had to be considered:
1.Road that is 90% flat,
2.starting temperature 48degrees F.
3.Lots of trees along the road to act as wind breakers
4.Cash for 41 pace makers
5,Cash for Kipchoge
Iam sure Mr Radclife the INEOS boss who funded the whole project considered afew places,and Vienna was the best option
Anyway, well done Eliud.We are all proud of you.
The only challenge is the flat course and to achieve this a loop was done several times over. All requirements such as 41 pace makers are easily met.
https://www.outsideonline.com/2403698/kipchoge-ineos-159-marathon-cours…
This easily achievable.
OK,then go do the challenge.
Hold my beer!
@ guest 13, thanks for the very informative article.I am not sure if INEOS 2 organizers gave reasons as to why they chose Vienna.
Anyway, I just read that the Under 20 World champioships that are supposed to be held in Kenya are in Jeopady.The reason is that some workers have not been paid for 8 months.You would think that aproject like this before it gets from the drawing board,all financial needs are all intact,and sufficient.I say this to point out some of the problems holding the sub2hr event in Kenya would have faced...
CONGRATULATION KIPCHOGE..WHAT AN ACCOMPLISHMENT .
Don't worry about IAAF, if it was a white guy doing it,they could have recognized it.
That is why we have to do double work to be recognized...BUT DON'T WE ALL LOVE IT WHEN WE PROOF THEM WRONG??
Congratulations brother Eliud Kipchoge! What you have done is amazing and motivating. You and your team have already revolutionized the world class marathon race.
Kipchoge made my day! He is a true inspiration.
Hongera Eliud. You've all of proud.