People gather on KICC comesa grounds in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Oct. 12, 2019. (Xinhua/Fred Mutune)
Millions of people gathered in several Kenyan towns to witness Eliud Kipchoge write history to become the first man to break the two-hour mark to run a marathon.
NAIROBI, Oct.12 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Kenyans gathered in several towns to witness Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge write history to become the first man to break the two-hour mark to run a marathon from Vienna, Austria.
In a race dubbed INEOS 1:59 Challenge, Kipchoge, 34, proved yet again that there is no limit to man as he set focus to run the 42.2km road race in less than two hours. And as the London champion galloped down the finish line in Vienna to clock one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds, Nairobi and Eldoret, the spiritual home of athletics, celebrations and wild cheer broke as the country came to terms having witness history being written.
President Uhuru Kenyatta made a call to Kipchoge to congratulate him and said he has inspired so many people to overcome their own challenges in life.
"Hearty congratulations to Kipchoge. You've done it, you've made history and made Kenya proud while at it," said Kenyatta on Saturday in Nairobi. "Your win today will inspire tens of future generations to dream big and to aspire for greatness. We celebrate you and wish you God's blessings."
In Vienna, the venue of the race, Kenyans led by Deputy President William Ruto, traveled to be part of the history-making race and celebrated the win as Kipchoge raced to hug his wife Beatrice and the children after finishing the race.
People gather on KICC comesa grounds in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Oct. 12, 2019. (Xinhua/Fred Mutune)
But it was the party atmosphere created in Nairobi, Kisumu, Kericho, Eldoret as corporates, supermarkets and public places mounted television screens to beam the race live from Vienna.
In Eldoret where thousands had gathered up, it was singing, dancing and merrymaking as they watched their son prove to the world that no human being is limited. In Nairobi, a big screen was placed as hundred of fans jumped in celebrating as they witnessed Kipchoge cross the line.
Social media was abuzz as YouTube had a live stream of the race with Safaricom offering its subscribers free bundles to browse and stream the race live.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said Kipchoge's moon-landing moment is a historic achievement that will long for many years.
"This is the stuff of history. Kipchoge, you captured the imagination of the whole world before this great feat and it will continue for a long time. Congratulations on becoming the first human to run a 2-hour marathon. Kenya is greater because of you," said Odinga. ■
