The official world record is 2 hours, 1 minute, 31 seconds. Set by Eliud Kipchoge, considered the worlds greatest marathon runner, during the Berlin marathon 2018. However separate to major races, there have been 2 unofficial time trial attempts to prove that humans can run a marathon in under 2 hours.
2 years ago, Kipchoge attempted to break the 2 hour marathon mark. Orchestrated by Nike, Kipchoge headed to Monza, Italy to attempt to break the barrier. The project, ‘Breaking 2’ was meticulously planned for months in order to put Kipchoge in the best possible position to run under 2 hours. These factors included; drinks delivered via motorbike rather than from tables, pace makers switching in and out, and perfect route conditions.
The event was a huge success, but Kipchoge just fell short of the target and ran it in 2 hours and 25 seconds.
This year, they go again. Different team, different city, same runner. On the 12th October this year, Kipchoge is hitting the streets of Vienna to have another go at sub 2. Ineos are the sponsors this year, and using the lessons learned from Breaking2, have planned the best scenario for Kipchoge to run at his best.
The facts;
- Event date 12th October, but there is an 8 day window up to 20th October incase weather is not ideal
- 3km stretch, Kipchoge will run out and back roughly 4.5 times
- Spectators are encouraged. This was feedback from the Breaking2 event, that Kipchoge wanted more supporters
- Within a 3 hour time difference of Eliud’s training camp in Kenya
So now, training is well underway, and all we can do is wait and see what can happen.
I for one, think Kipchoge will run sub 2 hours.