Men’s marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge is set for another attempt at running a marathon under two hours for the second time in as many years.
The attempt, dubbed INEOS 1:59 Challenge, is scheduled for late September or early October this year but the venue is yet to be decided.
Courtesy of leading sportswear company – Nike, Kipchoge managed a 2:00:25 in Monza, Italy two years ago before he went on to smash the then world record at the Berlin Marathon in 2017.
The challenge was announced in Oxford, United Kingdom, in the presence of his coach Patrick Sang and Ineos founder – Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
“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,” who recently posted the second fastest time in history when he won his fourth London Marathon title.
“It gives me great pride to accept the challenge presented by INEOS. I am very 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”
Sang, his inspirational long-term coach, will lead the preparations team to ensure that nothing is left to chance.
“As Eliud showed in Monza, when he came within touching distance of achieving what many had previously thought impossible, he is a truly special athlete with incredible levels of mental resolve,” explains Patrick.
“Throughout his dazzling marathon career, he has pushed the event to a new stratosphere and with the right preparation, I believe he has the ability to make history.”
INEOS have explained they are considering a flat looped circuit and have a number of options.
Ratcliffe, also chairman of INEOS said: “Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest ever marathon runner and the only athlete in the world who has any chance of beating the two-hour time.
“We are going to give him every support and hopefully witness sporting history”.
INEOS, one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, also sponsors the children’s running charities, GO Run For Fun and The Daily Mile.
COURTESY: GLOBAL SPORTS COMMUNICATION
