This archive report was first published on 12 October 2019.
On October 12, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours, clocking 1:59:40 in Vienna, Austria.
However, the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) will not recognize this achievement as a world marathon record due to several factors.
The IAAF requires that a particular course or route and stadium be certified and rated by their measurers to qualify for a world record.
Additionally, an event should have at least three competitors for the results to stand.
In Kipchoge's case, the INEOS 1:59 Challenge was a controlled race that wasn't sanctioned by the IAAF, and he was racing against time with no other competitors.
Furthermore, the IAAF has strict rules regarding pacesetters, and the 41 pacesetters who supported Kipchoge were not allowed in IAAF events.
The event also featured a vehicle fitted with a monitor to control the pace, which is not permitted in IAAF road races.
Refreshments were also provided to Kipchoge in a manner that did not meet the IAAF's requirements, as he was handed drinks from a bicycle rather than from an official table.
