On October 12th, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya re-wrote Marathon history after smashing the two-hour barrier, which many have deemed untouchable in the past few years.
With the assistance of 41 rotating pacesetters and laser beams from an electric car to minimize air resistance and maintain a certain pace, Kipchoge perfected the race with an exceptional time of 1:59:40.2 on Vienna’s Prater Park. Individuals also firmly believe that Nike’s newly designed high-technology ZoomX Vapofly Next% marathon shoes contributed to Kipchoge’s success. Although the historical time will not be officially recognized as a world record because it was not run under marathon circumstances, the accomplishment is certainly a symbolic one for the running community.
In 2018, the eight-time major marathon winner and three-time Olympic medalist produced the two fastest times in officially sanctioned marathons, generating a world-record time of 2:01:39 in Berlin and 2:02:37 in London. When asked about the significance of the race organized by the petrochemical company INEOS, Kipchoge responded, “Berlin was about running a world record. Vienna is about running and breaking history, like the first man on the moon.”
Kipchoge was granted a mythical status in the running world, and the astonishing feat once again burnished his credentials as the world’s greatest marathoner. After concluding the historical run, Kipchoge discussed the potential influence running has on society regarding peace and unity. “Together, when we run, we can make this world a beautiful world.” The Kenyan is currently concentrating on fully recovering both physically and mentally, thus has yet to decide whether or not he will be competing in the Tokyo 2020 competition.
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