This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
On October 12, 2019, Kenyans were glued to their screens as Eliud Kipchoge attempted to make history in Vienna, Austria. The legendary athlete was trying to become the first person to run 42 kilometers in under two hours.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was among those wishing Kipchoge well in his historic attempt. The hashtag #Eliud159 trended on Twitter, with many Kenyans sharing their messages of encouragement.
One Twitter user, @Leotunapika, shared a heartwarming moment of his children imitating Kipchoge and running in the house. 'Kids are so impressionable,' he wrote. 'My girls (4 yrs and 3 yrs) are taking turns being Kipchoge and running in the house.'
Many others took to Twitter to express their support for Kipchoge, with some even claiming to be running the marathon with him. 'Have never been hooked so keenly to 42KM race like this #INEOS159 #Eliud159 #eliudkipchoge #ineos159challenge cheering as if am running it with the legendary hero @EliudKipchoge,' wrote @paulmwiu.
As the world watched Kipchoge's attempt, many Kenyans were proud to see their countryman pushing the boundaries of human achievement. 'Viva Eliud Kipchoge. Go Go Go Eliud, make Kenya and Africa proud,' wrote @NdegeSerikal.
