Eliud Kipchoge will make another attempt to become the first human being to run the 42-kilometre race in under two hours in October.
The Kenyan and world’s best marathoner at the moment will have a second stab at the two-hour barrier during the BREAK2, a race that is sponsored by the British richest man, Jim Ratcliffe.
The World Marathoner record holder is targeting to finish the INEOS challenge in one-59 minutes, a time that no one has ever achieved.
The strong-willed marathoner who posted the world’s second fastest time barely two weeks ago in London missed to hit the target by just 26 second two years ago, when he stopped the clock at 2:00:25 in his first attempt to prove science wrong that no human being can run a sub two in the next 40 years to come. 42961
The globally accepted best marathoner of modern times came close to making history in his first attempt to go sub-two when he clocked 2:00.25 in a specially created event (not recognised as an official world record) at Monza, Italy in May 2017.
“Running the fastest ever marathon time of 2:00:25 was the proudest moment of my career. To get another chance to break the magical two-hour mark is incredibly exciting. I always say that no human is limited, and I know that it is possible for me to break this barrier,” he was quoted by Global Communication.
With the race set for early October, Kipchoge has been omitted from Team Kenya’s World Championship Marathon squad.
On 17 September 2018, Kipchoge took one minute 18 seconds off the official world record in an awe-inspiring performance at the Berlin Marathon, clocking 2:01:39.
Following a historic fourth London Marathon win, the world number one says, “I learnt a lot from my previous attempt and I truly believe that I can go 26 seconds faster than I did in Monza two years ago. It gives me great pride to accept the challenge presented by INEOS. I am excited about the months of good preparation to come and to show the world that when you focus on your goal, when you work hard and when you believe in yourself, anything is possible.”
Kipchoge will be supported by Patrick Sang, his inspirational long-term coach, and the team that has led him throughout his successful career who will do all they can during preparation to ensure that nothing is left to chance.
The venue for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge is currently being decided, with a number of options that offer a flat looped circuit being considered for the event which is planned for late September or early October 2019.
A major marketing campaign will publicise the run with a live coverage across the world on traditional and digital channels. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend.
The INEOS 1:59 Challenge is being supported by INEOS, one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies.