The eyes of athlete enthusiasts across the world on 12th October will be fixated on Kenya’s long-distance legendary runner, Elius Kipchoge who is seeking to achieve a feat no man has ever achieved – running a full marathon in under two hours in the “INEOS 1:59 Challenge” in Vienna, Austria.
Eliud, who is the world’s best marathon runner and reigning Olympic champion, arrived in Vienna on a private chartered jet on Tuesday.
“I am ready for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. My training has been successful and I look forward to the challenge ahead and showing the world that no human is limited,” said Kipchoge upon his arrival.
“I am very excited to be here in Vienna. I have now seen the course for the first time and it looked great. I can’t wait to run on it and hopefully I will see you all there this weekend,” he added.
According to the original plan, Eliud is supposed to run on 12th October, however, the final green light will be given on Wednesday as well as the date and time.
The performance team will decide if the date for the challenge will either be confirmed on 12th October or delayed within an eight-day window period depending on prevailing weather conditions.
A team of 41 pacemakers will assist the Olympic marathon champion in achieving the feat.
Kipchoge shattered his own record in 2018 at the Berlin City marathon of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds
“INEOS 1:59 Challenge” is funded by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, owner of chemical firm INEOS.
JK/as/APA