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World marathon record-holder Eliud Kipchoge [Courtesy]
On Saturday, October 12, 2019, Kenyans woke up as early as 4:00 am to show their support for world record-holder Eliud Kipchoge, who is set to attempt an ‘impossible’ marathon run under two hours.
The challenge dubbed the ‘INEOS 1:59 Challenge’ is being staged in Vienna, Austria and will begin at exactly 9:15 local time.
From the streets on Nairobi to the shores of Mombasa, Kenyans have gathered, waiting to witness Kenya's most-daring son try to prove to the world that the human body has no limits.
“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”
Eliud Kipchoge says, “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. 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”.
Eliud will be supported by Patrick Sang, his long-term coach, and the team that has led him throughout his successful career who will do all they can during the preparatory phase 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."
A major marketing campaign will publicise the run and live coverage will be broadcast across the world, both on traditional and digital channels. Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to attend.
INEOS 1:59 Challenge is being supported by INEOS, one of the world’s largest manufacturing companies, which also sponsors the children’s running charities, GO Run For Fun and The Daily Mile.
On May 6 this year, Kipchoge told Associated Press: “I want to unlock that thought that there are limitations in the human being,” “There are no barriers when you believe in yourself and try and trust in what you are doing,” he added.
Here are some of the reactions captured by Gamey Yetu from social media platforms:
Lets Support one of our own as Kenyans for Making this Beautiful Country shine Abroad,We are Behind your back Eliud Kipchoge,You can do it,Lets give Him 159 Retweets in support ????????????????????????Leo ni ile siku
History is going down ????????#Eliud159#ineos159challengepic.twitter.com/kuaM2R79x7
— Red Phoenix ???????????????? (@MADTITAN_JOKES) October 12, 2019
The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media
platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting,
digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading
multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and
international interest.
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