Reactions around the world to Kipchoge’s historic mark
How elites, scientists, coaches and everyday runners are reacting to this historic running moment
Ahead of Kipchoge’s sub-two hour marathon attempt on Saturday, there were some who doubted, some who believed and some who called it scientifically impossible. Regardless of where you sat on the two-hour marathon possibility argument, runners are coming together now in celebration of the event.
RELATED: Eliud Kipchoge runs the fastest marathon in history, 1:59:40
Saturday morning in Vienna, Austria, Eliud Kipchoge made history. Kipchoge has become the first person to run a marathon in under two hours. Kipchoge finished the historic event in 1:59:40.
The finish line
This is the scene from the finish line right after the race. There were 20,000 people in attendance to watch the run and over 700,000 tuning in online.
What history looks like. ? ??#INEOS159 #NoHumanIsLimited pic.twitter.com/EX3CeiSnMJ
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) October 12, 2019
RELATED: What Kipchoge wore to break the historic two-hour marathon barrier
Kenya
The video below is of Eldoret, Kenya on Saturday. Tens of thousands of people gathered to cheer Kipchoge to success. On Saturday, for the first time ever, Kipchoge’s wife and kids were present to watch him race in Vienna.
Meanwhile in Eldoret, Kenya, this is how they celebrated @EliudKipchoge becoming the first man to run a sub two-hour marathon. ???#INEOS159 #NoHumanIsLimited
— INEOS 1:59 Challenge (@INEOS159) October 12, 2019
Elites
The elites are stunned by Kipchoge’s ability. Shalane Flanagan, who was on the live broadcast for the event, called it a “where were you when” moment.
Sub 2! ?? #Kipchoge
— Molly Huddle (@MollyHuddle) October 12, 2019
Today was one of those “where were you moments”.
I arrived in Vienna this week to watch one of my favorite athletes attempt to break 2hours in the marathon.
Eliud Kipchoge raced against the clock and raced towards… https://t.co/UsKnjgfn4D— Shalane Flanagan (@ShalaneFlanagan) October 12, 2019
Coaches
Despite some backlash and skepticism heading into this event from many informed viewers, they’ve come around and are completely on the Kipchoge bandwagon.
It's good to be a runner today. Thank you @EliudKipchoge for the inspiration you've provided for us all.
There will be surely be punditry about shoes, pacemakers, cars to come. But, after the dust settles, we will remember this moment in history. It will transcend running. https://t.co/HFtqwyoiKw
— Jason Koop (@jasonkoop) October 12, 2019
Recreational runners
Then there are lots of runners who remind us that this pace is insane for anyone but Kipchoge. It’s so fast (2:50 per kilometre) that many collegiate and elite middle distance runners struggle to stay on this pace for more than one interval.
True awesomeness! I struggle for that time in the half marathon.
— Jennifer Patterson (@Jen_Patterson23) October 12, 2019
RELATED: Workout Wednesday: U of T track vs. marathon world record pace
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
