This archive report was first published on 11 October 2019.
On the eve of his historic attempt to break the two-hour marathon barrier, Eliud Kipchoge's hometown in Nandi County is holding a public prayer meeting to seek divine intervention.
The event, scheduled for Friday night at Kapsisiywa Primary School, where Kipchoge studied as a young boy, will feature big screens for a live public viewing of the INEOS Challenge in Vienna.
Residents of Uasin Gishu County, where Kipchoge hails from, are optimistic that he will achieve the mark, which has been touted as athletics' last greatest barrier.
Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno has called on the government to complete the stadia in the region to help budding young athletes.
"We know he will make it due to his discipline and determination as seen in the past races he has won," said Elius Kiptum Mahindi, Leeds marathon winner.
Plans are underway to close the Eldoret – Uganda highway to create space for viewers who will be watching the event on a big screen.
