Eliud Kipchoge reflects on his best moments from the INEOS 1:59 challenge
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 13.10.24. | 12:03
Waiting just beyond the finish line were his family, his management, his sponsors, Jim Ratcliffe from INEOS, and a crowd ready to celebrate his achievement
On October 12, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours.
During the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria, Kipchoge completed the 42.195-kilometer race in an astounding 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 40 seconds.
It was a moment that cemented his place as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, achieving what many had deemed impossible.
Reflecting on the monumental event, Kipchoge shared some of the most memorable moments from the journey that led him to the incredible achievement.
Key moments in training
Kipchoge recalls the rigorous training that prepared him for the unthinkable challenge. “Training was hard, especially with the thought that I was going to try to do something that nobody had done before," he admitted.
Every day of training was a test of physical and mental endurance, but Kipchoge maintained a positive outlook.
“I consumed all the positivity I could find. I moved on with training every day without missing a single day," he reflected.
The intensity of his preparations laid a solid foundation for what was to come.
The evening before
The night before the challenge brought an intense mix of excitement and nerves.
“The warm-up was a difficult day because everything was moving very fast,” he explained.
He tried to rest, but sleep eluded him as his mind raced with thoughts about the challenge ahead.
“I was thinking about what would happen at the 5km, 10km—would I drop out? Would the world see that breaking two hours is harder than they thought?” he offered.
He however reassured himself with a reminder of his long career.
“I told myself that I have been doing this for a long time, and this was the day.”
Getting to the start line
Arriving at the start line was a nerve-wracking experience for Kipchoge.
“I was very tense as I listened to the commentator announce the pacemakers and call out his name. But when the starting gun went off, the tension melted away," he averred.
He was fully focused, his training and determination kicking in. From that moment, he was in his element, racing not just against the clock but toward history.
The moment he knew he could make it
As Kipchoge reached the halfway mark, he felt a surge of energy and confidence.
By the time he passed 25km, 30km, and eventually 35km, he was certain that he could break the two-hour barrier.
“I was sure I was going to make it,” he recalled.
Celebrations at the finish line
Crossing the finish line was a moment of sheer joy and relief.
“It was a wonderful day. I crossed the finish line knowing that I made history," he reflected with a smile.
Waiting just beyond the finish line were his family, his management, his sponsors, Jim Ratcliffe from INEOS, and a crowd ready to celebrate his achievement.
“It was a very good memory," he concluded.
.jpg)
