Nike’s goal of creating a sub-2-hour marathon has been so close but is just an audacious aspiration even after three years of planning.
The Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite today redefined the limits of athletic footwear performance, becoming the first shoes to complete a marathon, clocking 2:00:25 for the classic 26.2-mile distance worn by Eliud Kipchoge. The shoe allows runners to maintain pace while burning about 4 percent less energy.
Although Eliud did not break the 2 hour marathon barrier at Nike’s Breaking2, his new PB and record has proved that the impossible can be challenged and he has the courage to start and heart to finish it.
About New Record Holder
Find out more about Eliud Kipchoge. He is the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the men’s marathon with his personal best time of 2:03:05 set at the London Marathon just last year.
A New History in Running
Eliud averaged 4:36 per mile, but an approximate 4:34 was needed to run under two hours. The achievement however will not count as a world record because the race utilised practices like alternating pacers that are not sanctioned by the International Association of Athletics Federations. Kenyan Dennis Kimetto’s 2:02:57 in the 2014 Berlin Marathon still stands as the world record.
Nike Chairman, CEO and President, Mark Parker said,
“I’ve been part of many races over my career at Nike. I’ve seen the magic of gold shoes and swift suits. I’ve seen iconic athletes leave it all on the track. But I’ve never seen anything like what we saw today. Today, millions of people around the world watched as running history was written. At Breaking2, Eliud Kipchoge ran 26.2 miles faster than any human ever. With a time of 2 minutes and 25 seconds, this is dramatically faster than the world record. This achievement represents more than a race. It’s a moment of global inspiration that will encourage every athlete, in every community, to push the limits of their potential. I’d like to personally congratulate the Breaking2 athletes on this extraordinary feat.”
Watch the whole Breaking2 race here again:
After such an intense race, a proper post marathon recovery is essential so a new record can be set.
Will Nike or Eliud try again to break the 2 hour barrier? We definitely believe so! Only time will tell! Anything is possible!
