Eliud Kipchoge entered history by running a marathon in under two hours

Eliud Kipchoge, the legendary Kenyan marathon runner, achieved a historic feat by becoming the first man to run a marathon in less than two hours. This achievement was realized at the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna on November 1, 2024, when Kipchoge covered 42.195 kilometers in an astonishing 1:59:40. It was an unprecedented event, created to break the barriers of human potential, and Kipchoge showcased his famous mantra: "No one is limited."

Vienna as the perfect backdrop of history

Vienna was the perfect place for such a historic moment. The course stretched through the four-lane Hauptallee, a historic tree-lined avenue in Prater Park, which was chosen as the ideal location for this attempt due to its flat stretches and wind protection. The course itself was designed to enable Kipchoge to achieve maximum efficiency. Race day conditions were perfect, with temperatures around 9 degrees Celsius and a light breeze, creating optimal running conditions.

The role of pacemakers and cutting-edge technology

Kipchoge was not alone in his endeavor. He had assistance from 41 pacemakers, among the best middle- and long-distance runners in the world, who took turns in a V-formation to reduce air resistance. An electric car with a laser that marked the pace was a crucial tool in maintaining a constant rhythm of 2:50 minutes per kilometer. Every second mattered, and the pacemakers ensured that Kipchoge maintained the necessary pace throughout the race.

Mental and physical preparation

Preparing for this historic moment was exhausting. Kipchoge trained for months without a single missed day, dedicating himself fully to his goal. He knew he was facing something no one had achieved before. The night before the race was challenging; excitement and nerves prevented him from sleeping, but despite this, he woke up early, did a light morning workout, and headed to the start line. When he finally began the race, all doubts and tensions faded, and his focus was solely on the goal.

A historic moment at the finish line

As he approached the finish line, the excitement among the gathered crowd grew. Thousands of spectators gathered in Vienna's main square to cheer for Kipchoge at every step. The atmosphere resembled that of a stadium, and the support from the audience played a significant role in this historic moment. Kipchoge, with a smile on his face, crossed the finish line with his last reserves of energy, becoming the first man to break the two-hour barrier in a marathon. His family and team were waiting for him at the finish line, ready to share in the joy of this incredible achievement.

Inspiration for future generations

Kipchoge's success transcends the realm of sports. His message, "No one is limited," has now become an inspiration for people around the world. Kipchoge believes this result will not remain an isolated incident and that many other athletes will also succeed in breaking this barrier in the future. He emphasizes that this marathon is proof of how sport can be a positive force that brings people together and gives them faith in their own potential. His success has now become a symbol of human perseverance and the ability to reach incredible heights.

Impact on the world of running

Kipchoge's achievement has a tremendous impact on the world of running, but also on sports in general. This feat is not officially recognized as a world record due to the special conditions under which it was achieved, such as the use of rotating pacemakers and specialized tools, but this does not diminish its significance. Athletes worldwide are now motivated to push the boundaries of their capabilities, and many believe this is just the beginning of a new era in marathon running.

Family reunion

This historic moment also had a personal dimension for Kipchoge. For the first time in his career, his wife Grace and their three children followed him live during the race. The emotional reunion with his family at the finish line was the highlight of the day, and Kipchoge did not hide his tears of joy. After years of sacrifice, training, and effort, the moment he managed to share his victory with his family was special.

Eliud Kipchoge's final message

Eliud Kipchoge has shown with his achievement how willpower, discipline, and positive thinking can lead to incredible results. His success is not just sporting, but also social, as it inspires people to believe in themselves and their potential. "I wanted to show people that they can do a good job and lead a good life. Sport is positive, and if we all run together, we can make the world a better place," Kipchoge said.