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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Damon Wilkinson

Eliud Kipchoge makes history by running first sub two-hour marathon

Eliud Kipchoge has made history by becoming the first runner to finish a marathon in under two hours.

The 34-year-old Kenyan completed the course in Vienna, Austria, in an incredible one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds.

Kipchoge, the Olympic marathon champion and world record holder, was racing alone but assisted by a team of 41 in and out pacemakers, including former Olympic and world record holders, who ran alongside him seven at a time.

Their positions were guided by lasers projected onto the road in front by a support car.

That support and the fact it was not an open event mean the time will not be an official world record, but is nonetheless a historic moment in distance running.

Eliud Kipchoge (white vest) used a team of pacemakers and a laser guided support car (PA)

The INEOS 1:59 Challenge was Kipchoge's second shot at the record after missing out by 25 seconds in his first attempt in Monza two years ago.

Kipchoge was even able to wave to the crowds as he sprinted towards the finish line, where his wife Grace greeted him.

In jubilant scenes Kipchoge was somehow able to keep running as he celebrated with the crowd before being hugged by his INEOS team-mates.

Afterwards he told the BBC: "I am feeling good.

Read more of today's top stories here

"After Roger Bannister in 1954 it took another 63 years, I tried and I did not get it.

"After 65 years, I am the first man! I want to inspire many people, that no human is limited."

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