KIPCHOGE Eliud

General
SUB-TWO HOUR MARATHON
In October 2019 he ran a marathon in Vienna, Austria, in 1:59:40 to become the first athlete to run a sub-two hour marathon. However, the result did not count as an official record because it was not run under race conditions. The event was run in ideal weather on a flat course, and he had a team of 40 pace setters, including multiple Olympic medallists, who ran in a V formation in front of him to reduce drag. He also completed the race in Nike 'Alphafly' shoes, a variation of shoes with carbon fibre plates that have provoked debate over their fairness and contributed to World Athletics' introduction of regulations on footwear in early 2020. "I am happy to inspire somebody. And even if they say it's not a world record, I have broken a barrier, which makes a difference in human life, in a human family. That's my evidence." (time.com, 22 Oct 2019; reuters.com, 24 Jan 2020; bbc.co.uk, 15 Dec 2019; theguardian.com, 12 Oct 2019)

SHOE DEBATE
He doesn't believe shoes with carbon fibre plates are the most significant factor affecting race times. "I thank Nike for the good shoes. They are doing a great job. But above all it is the person themselves [that makes the difference]. We have 10 teams in Formula One, with great engines and tyres from Pirelli, but only Lewis Hamilton is winning. Why? Because he is focused and he is a very good professional driver. I met him in Abu Dhabi and I realised that to win it is not the tyres, it is the person. What makes a human being is his conscience. If you don't believe you can run fast, even in the best shoes you can't do it." (theguardian.com, 15 Dec 2019; theguardian.com, 12 Oct 2019; theaustralian.com.au, 28 Jan 2020; sneakerfreaker.com, 16 Jan 2020; believeintherun.com, 09 Oct 2019)

CONSIDERING RETIREMENT
In 2019 he said he wanted to continue running for at least another two years. "I am convinced that I can continue running at this level for at least two more years, but I have no guarantee. I need to stay healthy and get through training without injuries. I love running, it's that simple. The Olympic Games in Tokyo are still a big goal for me, and yes, I might be able to improve the [marathon] world record even further. Every day is a challenge, you're always faced with a new one. And when I have achieved something, I look forward to the next goal. That's my way of thinking, my character, that's how I work. After I retire my plan is to concentrate on inspiring people. My dream is to make this world a running world. A running world is a healthy [and] peaceful world. A running world is a joyful world." (blog.runningcoach.me, 17 Apr 2019; bbc.co.uk, 26 Apr 2019)

COACH'S INFLUENCE
As a child he jogged as a form of transport to get to and from school. After finishing his studies he sold milk at a market to support his family while continuing to run. He was inspired by Kenyan Olympic medallist Patrick Sang, who Kipchoge's mother had taught when Sang was in kindergarten. Sang eventually became his coach, and gave him his first watch. "If I hadn't met him [Sang], my life would be different." (nytimes.com, 14 Sep 2018)