Eliud Kipchoge makes history with sub two-hour marathon run

12 October 2019, 09:17

Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge finished a marathon in under two hours today
Kenyan distance runner Eliud Kipchoge finished a marathon in under two hours today. Picture: PA

By Asher McShane

Distance runner Eliud Kipchoge has broken the last barrier in modern athletics by completing a marathon in under two hours.

Supported by a team of elite pace setters, Kipchoge completed the feat in Vienna today sparking emotional scenes in front of thousands of fans.

The Kenyan runner completed each of the 26 miles in just over four-and-a-half minutes to achieve the historic goal.

Eliud Kipchoge points to the crowd as he crosses the marathon finish line
Eliud Kipchoge points to the crowd as he crosses the marathon finish line. Picture: Ineos

After finishing, he said the effort meant “a lot to Kenya.” He said he hoped his efforts will help “make this world a beautiful world and a peaceful one.” He said he wanted people to recognise “the positivity of sport.”

He said: "I am feeling good. After Roger Bannister in 1954 it took another 63 years, I tried and I did not get it.

"After 65 years, I am the first man! I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited."

He had previously failed in his attempt by a matter of seconds - but he succeed today with 20 seconds to spare setting a time of 1:59:40.2

Before the run he said he was doing it “to make history.”

Eliud Kipchoge during his historic marathon effort
Eliud Kipchoge during his historic marathon effort. Picture: Ineos

During his first attempt in Monza two years ago, he missed the target by just 25 seconds.

Eliud Kipchoge with pace setters on the start line of his historic effort in Vienna
Eliud Kipchoge with pace setters on the start line of his historic effort in Vienna. Picture: PA

He was assisted by a rotating group of pace-setters, meaning his time cannot be officially ratified by the sport's governing body, the IAAF.

Kipchoge, a four-time London Marathon winner who also holds the official marathon world record of 2:01.39, said: "I am running to make history - I am running to tell people no human is limited.

"It's not about money, it's about running and making history and changing the lives of people through their thinking."

Kipchoge's challenge took place over 4.4 laps of the Prater Hauptallee in Vienna.

He added: "I feel more prepared (than after Monza). I feel confident that I have been at that speed for the past two years.

"I came close the first time, but I hope the second time I can get it."

Latest World News

See more Latest World News

JD Vance

Free speech is 'in retreat' across Europe, claims JD Vance - as US brands it a 'bigger threat than Russia'

Hostages (L-R) Sasha Trufanov, Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Yair Horn,

Hamas confirms names of Israeli hostages due for release on Saturday

Danielle McLaughlin's killer Baghat was finally found guilty today

Indian man is found guilty of raping and murdering Irish backpacker Danielle McLaughlin in a field in Goa

Starmer welcomes Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, to Downing Street

Starmer tells Zelenskyy Ukraine remains on 'irreversible path to NATO membership' as leaders share phone call

Kayaker Adrian Simancas after being briefly swallowed by a humpback whale

Kayaker breaks silence over 'terrifying' moment he was swallowed whole by humpback whale - then spat back out

Pope Francis

Pope Francis to be admitted to hospital for bronchitis treatment

One Briton has died in a car crash in New Zealand

One Brit dead and three fighting for lives after car crashes into tourists’ hired bikes in New Zealand

A drone hit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine

Russian 'high explosive' drone hits Chernobyl causing 'significant damage' to shelter protecting world from radiation

JD Vance has warned the US could take military action against Russia.

US threatens Russia with military action if Ukraine peace talks fail as Putin hits Chernobyl with 'high-explosive warhead'

Donald Trump has been accused of 'appeasement'

Ukraine’s future at stake as world leaders gather in Munich - with Trump accused of ‘appeasing’ Putin

Near-Earth asteroid, artwork

NASA scientist reveals list of countries that face being hit by huge 'city killer' asteroid the size of Big Ben

This illustrative image shows Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and United States President Donald Trump (right).

Donald Trump is 'setting preconditions for withdrawing from NATO', his former advisor tells LBC

Naya Rivera

Glee star Naya Rivera's heartbreaking final words to her son before she drowned revealed

The young man was swallowed by a whale

Shocking moment whale swallows kayaker whole before spitting him back out

Deise Moura has been arrested on suspicion of killing her relatives with a poisonous Christmas cake

Woman accused of murder after 'Christmas cake poisoning' that killed three is found dead in prison cell

The bodies of Andrew Searle and his wife Dawn were discovered by a neighbour

Mystery deepens over British couple found dead in France as wife 'made appointments' before deaths