KIP, HIP HOORAY Kenya star smashes two-hour marathon barrier, and admits: It all went perfectly
ELIUD KIPCHOGE ran his way into the history books yesterday as he became the first person to complete a marathon in under two hours.
The Kenyan pulled off the astonishing feat in the specially-staged Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, clocking one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds over the classic 26.2 mile marathon distance.
His historic achievement drew immediate comparisons with Roger Bannister’s first four-minute mile – but it won’t be recognised as a world record as it did not take place in open competition.
London Marathon champion Kipchoge was racing alone, but assisted by a staggering 41 pacemakers, including former Olympic and world record holders, in his attempt.
Patrick Sang, Kipchoge’s coach, said: “He has inspired all of us that we can stretch our limits in our lives. You have made history.
“Everything went perfectly right.
For the sport, it challenges other young athletes. For humanity, whatever level you are in you can move yourself to another level.”
To break the mark, the 34-year-old had to run 100m in 17.08 seconds 422 times in a row at a speed of 13.1mph.
He was 10 seconds ahead of schedule at the halfway mark before appearing to slow, only to kick on in the final stages.
Kipchoge’s pacemakers included former 1500m and 5,000m world champion Bernard Lagat, who anchored the final leg.
Kenyan-born Lagat said: “Eliud told the world that if you set your mind to something nothing is impossible.”
Former New York City marathon winner Shalane Flanagan said: “I truly did not believe I would witness something like this.”
Kipchoge first attempted the feat in May 2017 on the Monza race circuit in Italy, finishing in 2 hours and 25 seconds.
Yesterday’s extravaganza was funded by British petrochemicals giant Ineos. Boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe said: “That last kilometre where he actually accelerated was superhuman.
“Everything has to go right to do this.”