Today is a very special day in Kenya’s history as its boldest son Eliud Kipchoge broke the record when he crossed the finish line in less than two hours.
Eliud Kipchoge completed the 42-kilometre marathon in 1:59:40 at the INEOS 1:59 challenge which took place in Vienna, Austria.
However, it is crucial to note that Kipchoge’s feat at INEOS will not be recognized as an official world record.
If you are still wondering why then here are the reasons:
Following the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for a race to receive a worldwide nod it must meet the following criteria:
The race MUST:
. Be formally approved by the IAAF or the Athletics Federation of the host country
. Have pacemakers who do not rotate in and out of the race.
. Be vetted by anti-doping controls
. Have refreshments taken from official stations, not brought to an athlete
. Have at least three competitors
. Have the course measured and verified by an official
. The athlete should not be paced by a vehicle.
REFRESHMENTS
During his first attempt, refreshments were brought to Eliud Kipchoge. The marathon was held in Monza, Italy two years ago. Besides, refreshments were brought to the champion an act which is against IAAF’s rules.
The same happened today at Vienna when eight pre-prepared drinks were offered to the athlete after every 3.1 miles.
Therefore, the 34-year-old’s recognized men’s world record is the 02:01:39 time which he set in the Flat Berlin Marathon on 16th September 2018.
PRE-PREPARED COURSE
According to an analysis by sports experts at Vienna University, the course had been pre-prepared in such a way that it should take Kipchoge 4.5 seconds more than on a computer-simulated flat and straight path.
In total, he just had to ascend 26 metres and climb 12 metres.
FIERCE COMPETITION
The world marathon record has for a long time been fiercely contested between Kenya and Ethiopia.
Kipchoge’s record was almost broken last month by Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia in the Berlin Marathon.
Kenenisa crossed the finish line in 2:01:21.
NOTE: KIPCHOGE’S RACE IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA WAS NOT A COMPETITION BUT A MOVE MEANT TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO HAVE DREAMS THAT ARE BIGGER THAN THEIR FEARS.
This was confirmed by Eliud Kipchoge himself who in response to his critics said he was running to sell #NoHumanIsLimited and inspire the world. He said the marathon was aimed at changing the lives of people, not for the sake of money.
CONGRATULATIONS KIPCHOGE, THE MISSION HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED!
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