This archive report was first published on 3 October 2019.
October 3, 2019
Kenyan athlete Eliud Kipchoge is on the cusp of making history by attempting to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, a feat that has been deemed impossible by many.
With just nine days to go, the world is eagerly waiting for Kipchoge to take on the challenge, which has been made possible by the support of British multi-billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, founder of INEOS.
According to Kipchoge, the challenge is not just about breaking the two-hour barrier, but also about unlocking the potential of the human mind and body.
“I want to unlock that thought that there are limitations in the human being,” Kipchoge told Associated Press on May 6 this year.
He added: “There are no barriers when you believe in yourself and try and trust in what you are doing.”
With Ratcliffe's backing, Kipchoge has been training intensively, running up to 200km per week to get into top shape for the challenge.
The day of reckoning is October 12, with organizers setting an eight-day window to pick the ideal day for the challenge based on weather conditions.
Kipchoge has previously attempted to break the two-hour barrier in Monza, Italy, on May 6, 2017, but fell short by 25 seconds, finishing in 2:00:25.
Despite the challenges ahead, Kipchoge's team is confident that he will succeed in breaking the two-hour barrier, citing improved technology and course modifications as key factors.
