Watch the Epic Quest to Run a Marathon in Less Than 2 Hours
See how hard work and scientific innovation almost helped this man make history.
Twenty-five seconds—that’s how tantalizingly close Eliud Kipchoge came to a world first.
Kipchoge's attempt at history is explored in the recently released documentary Breaking2, produced by National Geographic in partnership with Nike, which is available above.
Kipchoge, largely considered one of the world’s best marathon runners, had been attempting to run a marathon in under two hours. For months, the elusive "sub-two-hour" marathon loomed over him as he underwent extensive training.
His test came on May 6 when he arrived at the Monza Formula 1 racetrack near Milan, Italy. Kipchoge and two other runners, Lelisa Desisa and Zersenay Tadese, hit the pavement with two hours on the clock. The event was staged by Nike; it showcased everything the brand wants their athletes to be and everything they promise their customers they can become—the best.
And if anyone was going to create history, it would be these three. Desisa has won the Boston Marathon twice, and Tadese holds the world record for the half-marathon.
In addition to their athletic prowess, the runners had a powerful network of scientists and engineers behind them—who worked on the best training schedules, fitness regimens, and running shoes available, all sponsored by Nike. Studies have shown that everything from how a runner lands on the ball of his or her foot to the length of a runner’s stride can influence the final time across the finish line. Elite runners often develop an efficient stride. This, combined with the rate with which they take in oxygen and how easily their muscles fatigue can determine their endurance.
While experts debate the importance of genetics in athletic success, others, like Nike, are looking at how technological innovations in products like running shoes can give runners a leg up. (Read more about the scientific quest to break the two-hour marathon barrier.)
It should be noted that Kipchoge did achieve a record on May 6. The previous world record for running a marathon belonged to Dennis Kimetto, who ran the 2014 Berlin Marathon in 2:02:57. Kipchoge beat that by more than two minutes after he ran a marathon in 2:00:25.
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?How can we protect grizzlies from their biggest threat—trains?
- This ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thoughtThis ‘saber-toothed’ salmon wasn’t quite what we thought
- Why this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect senseWhy this rhino-zebra friendship makes perfect sense
- When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.When did bioluminescence evolve? It’s older than we thought.
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Environment
- Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?Are the Great Lakes the key to solving America’s emissions conundrum?
- The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?The world’s historic sites face climate change. Can Petra lead the way?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
History & Culture
- Meet the original members of the tortured poets departmentMeet the original members of the tortured poets department
- Séances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occultSéances at the White House? Why these first ladies turned to the occult
- Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?Gambling is everywhere now. When is that a problem?
- Beauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century SpainBeauty is pain—at least it was in 17th-century Spain
Science
- Here's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in spaceHere's how astronomers found one of the rarest phenomenons in space
- Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.Not an extrovert or introvert? There’s a word for that.
- NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?NASA has a plan to clean up space junk—but is going green enough?
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
Travel
- Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?Could Mexico's Chepe Express be the ultimate slow rail adventure?
- What it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in MexicoWhat it's like to hike the Camino del Mayab in Mexico
