Kenya is an East African nation that is renowned for its dominance in athletics. The country has many legendary athletes who have broken world records in the past. They include Eliud Kipchoge, David Rudisha, Brimin Kipruto, and Helen Obiri.
Betway allows punters to wager on different athletic competitions. Recently, Eliud Kipchoge broke the marathon race in the INEOS challenge. Read on to learn more about how the athletic world united to celebrate the Kenyan athlete.
The INEOS 1:59 Challenge
Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan athlete who has won many half and full marathon races in the past. He has tried several times to break the 2:01:39 hours 42-kilometer marathon world record. Eliud’s determination inspired Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS’ founder. Sunday Times Rich List estimates that Jim is worth $28 billion.
INEOS pledged to advertise the race to attract thousands of spectators in Vienna. The company sponsors The Daily Mile and GO Run For Fun. Eliud announced on May 6, 2019, that he would try again to complete the race in less than two hours. He formally accepted the INEOS 1:59 challenge and started planning for it.
The athlete said that he was privileged to get sponsored by INEOS to make history in athletics. He stated that he needed to prepare for several months to increase his pace. Eliud has gained experience in his previous attempts.
His last trial was 26 seconds above the two-hour mark. Sports enthusiasts who engage in Betway sports betting placed huge stakes on Eliud hoping that he would break the record.
Eliud’s Preparation
Patrick Snag is the main coach of Kipchoge. He has a supportive team that has helped him grow his career. Patrick expressed his optimism that Eliud would improve his form to complete the INEOS 1:59 challenge. Jim discussed with Eliud about his training plan. The athlete runs 200 kilometers per week to get in shape.
INEOS 1:59 challenge organizers set eight days from October 12 to October 20 for Eliud to race. They select Vienna, Austria due to its flat course and favorable weather conditions.
The race was expected to push Eliud to the limit, according to Gerald Lwande. The Precise Genomics Laboratories biomedical scientist said that Eliud can improve his speed if he has proper course modification, enough hydration and wears an improved shoe.
The INEOS 1:59 Race
Eliud ran the INEOS challenge race on October 12. He completed it after 1:59:40 after finishing each kilometer in 2:50 minutes. The race featured 41 pacemakers who flanked Eliud in groups of five. They included top athletes from different countries.
The pacemakers interchanged after intervals of about 10 minutes to help Kipchoge maintain a steady pace. Kipchoge made history in athletics 65 years after Roger Bannister set a new record. Tens of thousands of spectators visited Vienna to watch him win the INEOS 1:59 challenge.
Athletics Kenya governs athletics in Kenya. It is registered in the Confederation of African Athletics and IAAF. The sports body plans for athletics competitions in the country. Athletics INEOS Kenya organizes most championships in summer. You can predict which athlete will win a particular race at Betway.
