This archive report was first published on 14 October 2019.
On October 13, 2019, Eliud Kipchoge made history by becoming the first person to run a marathon in under two hours during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria.
As part of his supporting cast, 41 pacemakers were strategically introduced into the race to dictate the pace and protect Kipchoge from the wind.
The pacemakers, including five-time Olympian Bernard Lagat and Ethiopian teenager Selemon Barega, ran in groups of seven, with five of them ahead of Kipchoge in a 'V' formation and two behind him.
As a token of appreciation, Kipchoge gifted each of the 41 pacemakers with personalized trophies, recognizing their integral role in his historic achievement.
According to INEOS 1:59 Challenge, Kipchoge presented each of his pacemakers with a signed trophy to commemorate their efforts in the historic event.
