In his own words: Eliud Kipchoge speaks ahead of INEOS Challenge

The day of reckoning is almost here with us as the illustrious Eliud Kipchoge (pictured) attempts to break the two-hour marathon barrier on Saturday in Vienna, Austria. 

An elated and confident Kipchoge could not hide his positivity when he addressed the world on Thursday afternoon in Austria. 

Kipchoge assured Kenyans and the world that he was feeling well, having practised on the course and exuded confidence that he will make history. 

The final start time of the marathon will be confirmed on Friday (today) afternoon.

This is what Eliud Kipchoge had to say ahead of the race. 

1. How are you handling the pressure? 

The pressure is everywhere in this world so long as you're a human being. I'm handling it by staying as calm as possible. It means a lot to my country and Africa. No one sets the limit in life. It's all in the mind. 

2. What do you think about the Vienna course? 

I think it's okay. We have orange lines that will be guiding me and my pacesetters. 

3. What is the prize money in Vienna? 

I'm running to make history, to sell #NoHumanIsLimited and inspire over 3 billion people. It's not about money but changing the lives of people. 

4. You're always optimistic before a big race but today you appear more confident. Why this difference? 

To run in Berlin and Vienna are two different things. Berlin is running and breaking a world record. Vienna is running and making history. Just like the first man to go to the moon.

5. How is your preparation different and what has changed ahead of the INEOS challenge?

The only difference in the INEOS challenge is the mental aspect. I'm enjoying huge experience from 2017 when I missed breaking the two-hour barrier with 26 seconds. 

6. Many perceive this to be a physical challenge but what about the mental aspect? 

Physicality and the mentality go hand in hand, if one is missing, you're bound to fail. It's all about your conscience. 

7. Why did you and the team choose Vienna?

Vienna is a sporting city. The course in Vienna is flat, fast. One enjoys a natural environment.

8. When did the idea to break the two-hour mark in a marathon come to your mind? 

All of us were babies at some point. When I grew and started running marathons, I thought of breaking records. That is how the idea came up in 2016 after the Rio Olympics. 

9. Which will be the most critical point in the race on Saturday? 

All factors including the weather, fans, mentality, pacemakers will be crucial. 

10. Have you talked to your pacemakers? 

I have talked to them and they are eager to do a good job. They're capable of doing it. All is well. 

Eliud Kipchoge when he left Kenya for Austria. 

11. You almost lost your record recently in the Berlin Marathon, what was your reaction? 

If you want to enjoy sports, be ready to accept defeat. If Kenenisa actually ran in 2 hours, I would have accepted and that is the only way to enjoy the sport. 

12. If you will break the two-hour barrier, will it help to break in a normal marathon race?

Let us cross the bridge when we reach there. One step at a time. 

13. How will you communicate with your pacemakers?

Communication will be flowing easily because we are friends and sportsmen in general. 

14. How will your life change after Saturday? 

My life will change and everybody will change too. Millions will be inspired around the world. 

15. What do you say about critics before this race? 

The law of nature cannot allow all human beings to think in one direction. I'm doing this just to inspire everybody and to send the message that no one is limited. I respect everyone's' thoughts. 

An advertising billboard erected in Nairobi by a local mobile provider bears a photo of Eliud Kipchoge, Kenya's Olympic and world marathon champion, is photographed while people walk by in Nairobi on October 8, 2019. - Eliud Kipchoge arrived in Vienna in his attempt to become the first man to run 42km in under two hours. His iconic target of running the distance under two hours, dubbed “INEOS 1:59 Challenge”. (Photo by SIMON MAINA / AFP)

16. Your family is in Vienna, what does it mean to you?

It means a lot to me for them to be part of history. 

17. Which will be the most difficult part/section of the race on Saturday? 

All parts will be critical to help me break the barrier. 

18. What happens if you don't break the two-hour barrier? 

This race is like life... if you're down today, the solution is not to hang yourself. You get up and focus on the next day. I hope all will be well on Saturday. I will accept anything that happens on that day.

19. What are you afraid of before the race? 

In this world, nothing is 100 per cent.  I can assure you that I'm calm and waiting for Saturday. 

20. How huge is this challenge for Kenyans? 

I'm getting a lot of support from Kenya, Government, institutions, Kenyans in general and of course all over the world. 

21. Will you retire after breaking the two-hour mark? 

This is definitely not my last marathon. That I can assure you. 

Standard Group PLC wishes Eliud Kipchoge all the best! 

Viva Kipchoge!