This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge, the world marathon record holder, was flown out of Eldoret International Airport to Vienna, Austria, for the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in a chartered plane.
Accompanied by his coach Patrick Sang and a number of team-mates, Kipchoge left Kenya for the historic attempt.
The star athlete is expected to jog a multi-lap marathon on a 4.3km straight stretch inside the Prater Hauptallee in Vienna.
Depending on weather conditions, Kipchoge, who holds the current world record of 2:01:39, is expected to complete a 42km race in under two hours between October 12 and 20, 2019.
However, the actual event date will be confirmed on Wednesday, October 9, 2019.
Once the date is set, the exact start time will be confirmed the day before, between 6am and 10am Kenyan time.
Many Kenyans and fans around the world believe Kipchoge is on course to break the two-hour barrier, a feat that has never been achieved before.
As expected, Kipchoge's attempt has garnered a strong reaction and backing from fans on social media, with many expressing their confidence in his ability to succeed.
In 2017, Kipchoge's previous bid to run the marathon in under two hours saw him miss the target by just 26 seconds, on a deserted F1 circuit in Monza, Italy.
The 34-year-old set his current world-record time at last year's Berlin Marathon.
Take a look at some of the best responses from fans on social media:
This photo right here encapsulates humility & greatness. And this is why, more than anything, the universe loves you Eliud. When one desires n works for something, the universe conspires to give you. 1.59 will just be but another feather in your greatness cap. Just do it Champ! pic.twitter.com/1AwwIZPSHi — Auka Gecheo (@AukaGecheo) October 8, 2019
