Historic Sub-2-Hour Marathon Achieved in Vienna

Summary – Eliud Kipchoge made marathon history by breaking the two-hour barrier in Vienna, marking a monumental achievement in long-distance running.,

Article –

On October 12, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by completing the first-ever sub-two-hour marathon in Vienna, Austria. This groundbreaking event, known as the INEOS 1:59 Challenge, was specifically organized to help Kipchoge break the elusive two-hour barrier over the marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers (26.2 miles). His official finishing time was 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds, surpassing his own previous world record of 2:01:39 set in 2018.

Key Details of the Event

• Location: Vienna, Austria (chosen for flat terrain and optimal weather conditions)
• Support: A rotating team of elite pacemakers helped Kipchoge maintain a consistent pace of about 2 minutes and 50 seconds per kilometer.
• Technology: A pacing car projected lasers to guide the ideal pace, though this and the use of rotating pacemakers meant the attempt was not recognized as an official world record by World Athletics.

Significance and Impact

The achievement represents a monumental milestone in athletics, pushing the boundaries of human endurance and demonstrating what can be accomplished with the right combination of preparation, teamwork, and technology. It has sparked increased interest in marathon training methods, sports science, and running technology worldwide.

Quotes from Key Figures

1. Eliud Kipchoge: “This shows that the limit of running a marathon in under two hours is possible. It took years of preparation, the right conditions, and a great team to make it happen.”
2. INEOS CEO Jim Ratcliffe: “This event was about breaking barriers, not just sport but human potential. Eliud’s performance is inspirational and a testament to what discipline and teamwork can achieve.”

Future Outlook

Kipchoge plans to continue competing in recognized marathon events where he aims to officially break the world record under standard race conditions. The INEOS 1:59 Challenge has set a precedent for future record attempts using innovative pacing strategies and technology. Major upcoming marathons such as the London and Berlin Marathons are now in focus as potential venues for new record-breaking performances.

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Bhavya

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