ELIUD KIPCHOGE will be bankrolled by Britain’s richest man when he attempts sporting immortality – running the marathon under TWO HOURS.
On the 65th anniversary of Roger Bannister breaking the four-minute mile, SunSport can reveal the Kenyan will try to achieve one of the great physical feats in human history.
The challenge is likely to take place in London in October possibly after the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha.
The exact location will be confirmed next month but it could be one of the major parks in the capital or a closed road circuit.
To announce the challenge, Kipchoge, the marathon world-record holder, last week visited the famous Iffley Road track in Oxford where Bannister ran the mile in 1954 in 3mins 59.4sec.
Fresh from beating Mo Farah in his London Marathon triumph, Kipchoge, 34, said: “I want to run under two hours. It’ll surpass everything because it will be history for the human family.
“I’ve read a book about Roger Bannister and I’ve watched videos. I really want to leave a big legacy. I feel I have a big relationship with him.
“I normally challenge myself every now and then. I really want to leave a big legacy.
“When a great team and great minds meet they discuss positive ideas. My mind is that I’m going to do it. So my heart and mind is on 1:59.”
Kipchoge ran a world record 2:01:39 last September at the Berlin Marathon, smashing the previous best by 78 seconds.
Exactly two years ago today he attempted the sub-two hours challenge at the Monza race circuit but fell 26 seconds short over 26.2 miles.
The absence of a crowd, unexpected humidity and an incorrect carbohydrate intake hampered his task in Italy despite the use of 30 rotating pace-makers.
Kipchoge is arguably the world’s greatest athlete – maybe even all-round sportsman – since sprinter Usain Bolt retired two years ago.
The event is being organised by petrochemicals company Ineos, who are investing heavily in sports teams despite criticism over their environmental record.
Company boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has run 30-plus marathons, is worth £21bn. He said: “It probably is the greatest sporting challenge left.
“This is the most extraordinary challenge that faces a human being – breaking two hours. The whole idea is superhuman.
“I don’t wish to embarrass Eliud but he is the best there has ever been and is still getting better.
“We want a big crowd to watch it happen. Why do football teams win at home and lose away? They are lifted by the crowds. It raises their spirits.
“If Eliud has a fantastic crowd cheering him on, it’s going to make a bit of difference.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
