President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenyans in congratulating Eliud Kipchoge after he became the first man to run the marathon under two hours during INEOS 1:59 Challenge at Prater Park, Vienna.
Kipchoge completed the race in one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds.Kenyatta who had earlier spoke with the winning hero on phone prior to the memorable run acknowledging the Olympic champion for the historic feat describing it as a historic achievement and a great gift to over 46 million Kenyans who were following the event.
However, Kipchoge, who made history as the first man to run a marathon under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna, is still the World Marathon Record holder in a time of 2:01:39 set in last year’s Berlin Marathon.
“Hearty congratulations Eliud. You’ve done it my brother, you’ve made history and made Kenya super proud while at it. Your win today, against all odds, will inspire tens of future generations to dream big and to aspire for greatness. We celebrate you and wish you God’s blessings,” read a post from State House Kenya Facebook page.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said, “This is the stuff of history Eliud Kipchoge. You captured the imagination of the whole world before this great feat and it will continue for a long time. Congratulations on becoming the first human to run a sub 2 hour marathon.”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed tweeted: “With the entire world watching and waiting with baited breathe, Kipchoge began the run at 9:15am Kenyan time in Prater Park, Vienna, Austria, and completed the marathon in 1:59:40 effectively achieving what was previously thought humanly impossible. #NoHumanIsLimited #TwendeKazi.”
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Najib Balala wrote on his Twitter handle saying, “History made. Congratulations to the #Magical #Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge. The first human to break the less than 2 hour marathon barrier. #eliud159 #MagicalKenya #NoHumanIsLimited.”
Other leaders who joined Kenyans on social media to congratulate the great hero include FKF President Nick Mwendwa,Hon.Kalonzo Musyoka, Kitui Governor Charity Ngilu,Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and Kenya Volleyball Association(KVA) president Waithaka Kioni among others.
Kipchoge’s win comes barely days after Team Kenya finished second from the just concluded World Athletics Championships held in Doha.
