This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
On October 7, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge, the 34-year-old Olympic marathon champion, flew out of Eldoret, Kenya, to Vienna, Austria, in style, aboard a $24.5 million Gulfstream 280 private jet, ahead of his historic attempt to become the first man to run the 42-kilometre distance in under two hours.
According to the organizers, the exact time of the race would be determined by the INEOS 1:59 meteorology and performance experts, who would provide weather data to Kipchoge's coaching team to give him the best possible chance of success.
On October 12, 2019, Kipchoge will be chasing another iconic target, with his attempt, dubbed “INEOS 1:59 Challenge”, drawing global interest as the day nears.
He has been training in Kaptagat, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, and in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, and has enlisted the support of 41 pacemakers, including Erick Kiptanui and Victor Chumo, who have expressed their confidence in Kipchoge's ability to achieve his dream.
“I’m hoping for the best. I will try my best to get 1:59,” Kipchoge said before boarding the plane that took off shortly after 8pm.
