Eliud Kipchoge makes history in Vienna
Eliud Kipchoge has become the first runner to finish a marathon in under two hours.
The 34-year-old Kenyan completed the course in Vienna, Austria, in an incredible one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds.
Kipchoge was racing alone but assisted by 41 pacemakers, including former Olympic and world record holders, in his attempt to achieve the milestone.
🇬🇧 1954 Roger Bannister breaks the 4-minute mile
🇺🇸 1969 Neil Armstrong walks on the moon
🇯🇲 2009 @UsainBolt runs 100m in 09.58
🇰🇪 2019 @EliudKipchoge runs a sub two-hour marathon#INEOS159#NoHumanIsLimitedpic.twitter.com/HMXnxRohE3
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) October 12, 2019
The time will not be an official world record but is nonetheless a historic moment in distance running.
The INEOS 1:59 Challenge was Kipchoge's second shot at the record after missing out by 25 seconds in his first attempt in Monza two years ago.
Kipchoge was even able to wave to the crowds as he sprinted towards the finish line, where his wife Grace greeted him.
Remember where you were when @EliudKipchoge ran 26.2 miles in 01:59:40.
You've just witnessed history. 💪🇰🇪#INEOS159#NoHumanIsLimitedpic.twitter.com/N5caReC0Ub
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) October 12, 2019
In jubilant scenes Kipchoge was somehow able to keep running as he celebrated with the crowd before being hugged by his INEOS team-mates.
Afterwards he told the BBC: "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."