A WORLD record holder has made history by becoming the first person to run a gruelling marathon in under two hours.
Eliud Kipchoge, 34, smashed his target by 20 seconds to complete the race in 1:59:40 after missing out by just 25 seconds in his first bid two years ago.
The Kenyan, who is considered to be the greatest marathon runner of all-time, took part in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Vienna today.
He ran at 13mph and a 1km pace of two-minute 50-seconds – the average speed of traffic in central London is 7mph.
But his feat will not stand as an official record because it is not in open competition and it uses rotating pacesetters.
His 41-strong team protected from any head wind, ensure he is on schedule and supply him with drinks as he ran 4.4 laps of a flat, 9.6km circuit.
There was also a green laser to show Kipchoge where he needed to be in order to beat the record.
Kipchoge somehow managed to continue running after the race as he met jubilant crowds who had cheered him on for the final sprint.
He said: “I am feeling good.
“It’s taken 65 years for a human being to make history in sport – after Ronnie Bannister made history in 1954. I have tried and I got it.
“I am the happiest man to run under two hours to inspire people, to tell people that no human being is limited. You can do it.
“I expect more athletes in the world to run under two hours after today.
“You need dedication, you need the hard runs.
“Absolutely remember the 41 pacemakers are among the best athletes ever in the world. They are the best, I want to thank them, to appreciate them for accepting to do their job. We made history together in this one.
“My wife and two children have given more support. I am glad they are here to witness history.
“The positively of sport, I want to make it a clean sport and an interesting sport.”
Despite not being considered a world record, the bid will still make history – with no one ever running 26.2 miles quicker than 1:59.
Source: The Sun UK
Image: Facebook
