Latest news with #Kipchoge
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Science, athletics and marketing collide as Faith Kipyegon seeks historic sub-four-minute mile
Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman in history to run a sub-four-minute mile on Saturday next, 26 June at the Stade Charléty, Paris. Kipyegon set a mile world record of 4:07.64 in 2023 and won her third Olympic title over 1500 metres in Paris last year. She will need to run almost two seconds per lap quicker than her world record pace to break four minutes. The sub-four-mile is considered one of the last great frontiers in women's distance running. Nike, who sponsor Kipyegon, have dubbed the attempt a "moonshot". A near-impossible goal that, if pulled off, will dramatically raise the ceiling that confines human limits. It's the same ceiling that Roger Bannister elevated 71 years ago when he became the first human to break the four-minute mile. Nike have developed a new salvo of cutting-edge technology that aims to close the huge 7.65-second gap that stands between Kipyegon and history. "I've been the best miler on the track, the fastest 1,000 metres, the fastest 1,500… We decided it's high time to think about empowering girls and inspiring the next generation in pushing barriers," Kipyegon said in an interview with training partner Eliud Kipchoge. In 2019, Kipchoge became the first athlete to run a sub-two-hour marathon. It wasn't just an extraordinary athletic performance, but also a multi-million-dollar science exhibition bankrolled by Nike. For his 1:59.40 marathon in Vienna, Kipchoge had a specially engineered aerodynamic kit as well as a pair of ultra-lightweight 'super shoes' that provided unparalleled energy return compared to footwear of the past. Kipchoge ran on a custom-made course, drafting behind a rotating cast of elite athletes, and tracking a moving 'wave light' that was calibrated to the exact pace he required. For Kipyegon, Nike intends to pull out all the stops again. The Kenyan will don the 'Nike Fly Suit', a newly-developed speed suit that's complemented with a matching headband, leg and arm sleeves. The Fly Suit is made of a slick, stretchy material (that's yet to be named) and is dotted with a goosebump-like finish. These goosebumps are 'aeronodes', minuscule half-spheres on the skin of the suit designed to negate wind resistance and create small eddies behind Kipyegon. As she cuts through the air at a speed of 24 kilometres per hour, the aeronodes are made to keep her "slippery" in the wind and minimise drag. "It became clear how much faster Faith could potentially run if the suit had certain physical features beyond the slickness of its material," said Lisa Gibson, Nike's project manager for apparel innovation. There will also be a new 3D-printed sports bra, composed of TPU and designed to be more supportive, lightweight and breathable than market competitors. Kipyegon will wear a reimagined version of the Nike Victory 2, the track spikes she wore breaking the mile world record in Monaco, which are now 25% lighter and tailormade for her diminutive 1.57m, 42kg frame. Nike scientists have signalled they intend to tinker with the spikes' design up to a week before the attempt. World Athletics requires a lengthy window to inspect new prototype shoes to confirm they adhere to existing regulations; hence, Kipyegon's finishing time will not be recorded in official record books. Kipchoge's sub-two-hour marathon is similarly not an official world record due to the rotating ensemble of pacers (World Athletics regulations require pacers to start the race, and don't permit pacers joining during the event). The question of pacing and drafting, possibly the largest area of optimisation for Kipyegon, has yet to be answered by Nike. Kipyegon recorded uneven lap times and failed to draft effectively behind the designated pacers when she ran to the world record in Monaco. She raced the last 700 metres solo. In February, researchers in the Royal Society Open Science Journal posited that Kipyegon could run a 3:59.37 mile with optimal pacing. The researchers proposed sandwiching Kipyegon between a duo of female pacers, who would then swap out with another duo at the halfway mark. Wouter Hoogkamer, a professor of Kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts, co-authored the paper. He explained the first pacer would take the brunt of the wind, while the second, behind Kipyegon, would help negate low-pressure airfields with a dragging effect. "If you have another runner behind [Kipyegon], then this low-pressure area is going to be behind the second area and not behind the dedicated runner," Hoogkamer said. "A lot of aerodynamic cars and the aerodynamic bike helmets, they have that point towards the end, and that is to reduce the effect of the low-pressure field. It will make the air flow along the point of the helmet, rather than just behind the runner." Kipyegon still faces steep odds in tackling the four-minute mile, regardless of novel pacing arrangements and technical innovation. She has only raced once this year, coming painstakingly close to the 1000m world record with a 2:29.22 time in Xiamen, China. The 31-year-old would need to run at a quicker pace for another 609 metres to dip under four minutes. Kipyegon's glittering career has been built on an extraordinary aerobic engine rather than a scintillating turn of speed. Her 800-metre personal best stands at 1:57.68, while most sub-four male athletes can run an 800m in the 1:52 region. Even if the perfect conditions are created to run sub-four, her limited leg speed may prove debilitating. "We can run the simulations and calculate how much faster she can run, but can her legs actually move that quickly?" said Hoogkamer. "The drafting, the shoes, all of them might make it energetically easier for her to run that fast, but does she have enough fast-twitch muscles to contract at that high rate with those forces that quickly? "That's the cool thing about a science experiment like this…we kind of know what we know from testing things, but she is unique in many aspects."
The South African
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Kenyan marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge spotted in Cape Town
Kenyan marathon legend Eluid Kipchoge was photographed at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on Monday afternoon. Image: EPA/ARMANDO BABANI Kenyan marathon legend EliUd Kipchoge was photographed in Cape Town on Monday afternoon. Kipchoge, 40, took to his Instagram account to post to his 2.7 million followers: 'Hello, Cape Town! It's wonderful to be here. What must I experience in your beautiful city?' It appears Kipchoge was snapped outside the Nike store at the V&A Waterfront. Eliud Kipchoge is a Kenyan long-distance runner and widely considered the greatest marathon runner of all time. Born on 5 November 1984, he started his career in track events, winning the 5 000m at the 2003 World Championships. He later transitioned to road racing and marathons, where he achieved legendary status. Here are some of his most notable accomplishments: Olympic champion : He won gold in the marathon at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. : He won gold in the marathon at both the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Olympics. World record holder : He set the official marathon world record twice, most recently running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. : He set the official marathon world record twice, most recently running 2:01:09 at the 2022 Berlin Marathon. First Sub-2-Hour marathon : In 2019, Kipchoge ran a marathon in 1:59:40 under special conditions in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. Though not officially recognized due to pacing and course rules, it was a historic achievement. : In 2019, Kipchoge ran a marathon in 1:59:40 under special conditions in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge. Though not officially recognized due to pacing and course rules, it was a historic achievement. Winning streak : From 2014 to 2019, he won 10 consecutive marathons, including multiple London and Berlin Marathons. : From 2014 to 2019, he won 10 consecutive marathons, including multiple London and Berlin Marathons. Philosophy: He is known for the phrase 'No human is limited,' reflecting his belief in human potential and discipline. Eliud Kipchoge is admired not only for his athletic prowess but also for his humility, discipline, and inspiring mindset. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Follow us on Facebook for the latest breaking news, polls - and more!
Eyewitness News
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Eyewitness News
Kenya's Sawe wins men's London marathon
LONDON - Kenya's Sabastian Sawe produced a blistering performance to beat a star-studded field and win the men's London marathon in a time of 2hr 02min 27sec on Sunday. The 29-year-old, who won the Valencia marathon last December, came home alone in blazing sunshine ahead of Uganda's world half-marathon record holder Jacob Kiplimo. Defending champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao edged Abdi Nageeye for third in a photo finish, while four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge finished sixth. At the halfway mark, the lead group, which included Kipchoge, Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and Kiplimo, timed outside world record pace at 1:01:30. Kipchoge, though, was dropped as the runners approached the 90-minute mark. It was at the drinks station shortly after that that Sawe made the decisive break. Unlike the other,s he did not take a drink and stole a march on them. Kiplimo was caught unawares as he was at the back of the group, but the 24-year-old battled through to suggest his day will come. Sawe, though, never had a concern from that moment on, looking fresh as a daisy as he broached the winner's tape on the Mall in the shadow of Buckingham Palace.
Daily Mirror
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eliud Kipchoge's net worth, London Marathon star's diet, how old is Olympic champion
Eliud Kipchoge is returning to the London Marathon today, and the four-time winner has earned huge sums during his career and previously shared the diet plan that made him him an Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge is set to compete in the London Marathon for the first time in five years. The 40-year-old has won the iconic race on a record four occasions and will look to add a fifth victory today. Kipchoge has many fond memories of the city, having won the London Marathon four times between 2015 and 2019. The Kenyan is a two-time Olympic champion, but Kipchoge faced questions over his future in the sport after he failed to cross the finish line at the Paris Games last year. However, the former world record holder shut down retirement talk ahead of his return to London. 'I'm really excited to be back to run again on the streets of London,' Kipchoge said to The Independent. 'What makes London so special is the fans. 'I love the sport. I am happy when I can inspire somebody somewhere in the world. That's what motivates me to get up in the morning and run. It's purely about the love for the sport and inspiring others. '[The Olympics] was not my day. It's not always straight [forward]. Sometimes you hit a bump. It's like driving a car and getting a puncture. That's what happened [in Paris]. It was a big challenge. It was demoralising. But it's sport. You have to wake up, go again, and push on every day. 'I still think I can compete. I'm training in a good way and competing with the young people. Training with them, it's an inspiration for me.' Net worth The marathon star has an estimated net worth of £2.25million ($3m). Kipchoge had already begun forging his illustrious career before becoming the first marathon runner to break the two-hour barrier in 2019. The two-time Olympic champion has a sponsorship deal with Nike and also received a special edition £41,000 Isuzu D-Max after completing his record-breaking run in Austria. Kipchoge is one of the star names within his discipline, demonstrated by his 2.7 million followers on Instagram. However, his sizeable wealth is a fraction of Usain Bolt's estimated £67m ($90m) net worth, despite the marathon runner and sprinter being top stars in their respective fields. Marathon star's diet Kipchoge has not always trained for marathons. He clinched bronze and silver Olympic medals in the 5000m before transitioning to road running in 2012. His diet is high in protein and carbohydrates to accommodate a demanding training schedule, which sees him clock up nearly 220km (136 miles) weekly. The four-time London Marathon winner starts the day with a simple breakfast of white tea and bread, though he eats oats or cereal with milk on race days. 'But during the hard days, like three days a week, I'm taking tea, some fruits, also a banana and eggs to replace the energy lost and above all, to repair the torn tissues,' he told the BBC in 2021. His lunch consists of rice, beans and potatoes. Kipchoge favours ugali, a type of maize porridge, and beef stew for dinner. He combines ugali with a spinach-like managu or cabbage and adds beans and potatoes to the dish. If ugali is not available, Kipchoge replaces it with pasta. The two-time Olympic gold medal winner often ends his meals with fruit, and occasionally allows himself another sweet treat by adding three teaspoons of sugar to his morning cup of tea. He also drinks plain or fermented milk called mursik, alongside his daily three litres of water. Explaining Kipchoge's diet plan, his nutritionist Armand Bettonviel told the NN Running team: 'So why carbo-load? Well, when your body reaches a very intense state, as it will in a marathon, it will test the carbohydrate stores. 'Simply put, the more carbs in the body and greater storage levels, the greater the likelihood you will perform at your best for longer. The extra carbs I would recommend a marathon runner take on board are rice, pasta, potatoes, oatmeal, banana and pancakes. 'It should be noted, however, that wholegrain products are not suitable for everyone because it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.'
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Will 'greatest' London Marathon line-ups break records?
Will records be broken? That is the big question before this year's London Marathon. Race director Hugh Brasher declared the event's 45th edition had "the greatest elite fields in the history of the London Marathon" after a stellar line-up was announced in January. Despite the late withdrawal of women's world record holder Ruth Chepngetich and 2024 champion Peres Jepchirchir, the women's race still features the second and third fastest athletes of all time. That includes Sifan Hassan, one of four reigning Olympic and Paralympic marathon champions contesting this year's event, who returns for the first time since her remarkable comeback victory on debut in 2023. Two of the five fastest men in history line up in the men's race, led by record four-time champion Eliud Kipchoge, while half marathon world record holder Jacob Kiplimo will make his eagerly anticipated debut over 26.2 miles. Meanwhile, the elite wheelchair events feature Swiss athletes Marcel Hug and Catherine Debrunner - the world and course record holders. So who will win - and will they secure a piece of history and a lucrative bonus? A course record in the men's (2:01:25) or women's (2:16:16) elite fields is worth an additional $25,000 (£19,000), while anyone breaking a world record (2:00:35 men, 2:16:16 women) will receive $125,000 (£94,000). 'Once a fool to become an expert' - Yee set for marathon debut London Marathon 2025 - everything you need to know In an elite men's race featuring 10 men to have run a marathon in under two hours and five minutes, could it be a debutant who steals the limelight? Uganda's Kiplimo, 24, became the first person to run a half marathon in under 57 minutes in February, clocking 56:42 to shatter the previous mark by 48 seconds in Barcelona. That performance has convinced many that he could become the first person to break the two-hour barrier in a competitive marathon, after Kipchoge proved that was possible in controlled conditions in 2019. "I think it is going to be the most fascinating debut ever," said Brasher. "Do I think he could be the athlete that runs under two hours? Yes. But let's see what happens on Sunday." Speaking to BBC Sport, Kiplimo said: "I have seen a lot of people saying I will be the one to run under two hours. On Sunday, it is about how my body will feel. "I will do my best. I can't say now, I have not yet felt the feelings for a marathon. Maybe, [I will know] when I am done with London on Sunday." Kiplimo will be joined by distance-running great and two-time Olympic champion Kipchoge, whose official personal best stands at 2:01:09. The Kenyan, who last raced in London when he earned his fourth victory in 2019, told BBC Sport he can "absolutely" win again - and believes a sub-two hour marathon "will not be far [away]". "The only thing is for people to accept to try, dare to try and dare to entertain. I have shown them the way to make history. I think in the near future we will look at someone who is running under two hours," Kipchoge said. The 40-year-old added he still had "some races to run" before the end of his career, adding: "I am still hungry to inspire someone somewhere. I am really motivated to train every day, to showcase and tell people to make this world a running world." Reigning champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao, 28, said he was "happy running with the strongest field ever" as he prepares to defend his title, with Olympic champion Tamirat Tola and Sabastian Sawe - the fifth fastest man of all time - also present. The late Kelvin Kiptum's 2023 men's course record is 2:01:25, while the Kenyan's world record stands at 2:00:35. Despite the absences of Chepngetich and Jepchirchir, the sight of former world record holder Tigst Assefa and Hassan on the start line means hopes of a new women's record are far from over. The elite women race separately in London, meaning the time to beat is Jepchirchir's 2024 London winning time of 2:16:16, which also stands as the women's-only world record. Both Assefa and Hassan have run faster than that. Ethiopia's Assefa smashed the mixed world record in 2023 by running 2:11:53 in Berlin and has suggested similar could be possible this year. "I did a half marathon in December and that was a test," she said. "My preparation for this race is good and I feel like I'm in better shape than I was in Berlin." Meanwhile, it is never dull when Hassan is involved. The 32-year-old Dutch star won on her debut in London two years ago despite stopping at the roadside mid-race to stretch out a hip injury while her rivals ran away from her - and still ran 2:18:33. Hassan achieved Olympic gold last summer in similarly dramatic fashion, appearing to fade from contention before battling past Assefa in a spectacular sprint finish to add to her bronze medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m on the track. Her personal best of 2:13:44 - set at the 2023 Chicago Marathon - puts her third on the all-time list of fastest female marathoners and she spoke about wanting to break the 2:10 barrier earlier this year, something only Chepngetich has achieved. Speaking on Friday, she added: "In the marathon, whether you like it or not you will push. "Running the marathon teaches you to push. "I will do my best. I am getting nervous - that is good. When I get nervous I do well." In Emile Cairess' injury-enforced absence, Mahamed Mahamed and Philip Sesemann - respectively the third and fifth-fastest British marathon runners of all-time - will hope to shine. The 27-year-old Mahamed, fourth behind Cairess last year, told BBC Sport: "As an athlete you always want to push to the next level. If a medal comes, it comes. On the day anything can happen." There will be plenty of attention on Olympic and world triathlon champion Alex Yee as he makes his debut, while Jonny Mellor, Dewi Griffiths and Weynay Ghebresilasie have all run under 2:10. Eilish McColgan makes her marathon debut after injury forced her to withdraw in 2023. The Scot, 34, has mother Liz's personal best of 2:26:52 as a target, while Steph Twell's Scottish record is a fraction quicker at 2:26:40. "I would love to break my mum's PB; the Scottish record is a touch quicker - they would be loose goals," McColgan told BBC Sport. "I would love to be the top Brit home and be relatively competitive in what is one of the strongest women's fields in the history of marathon running." She is joined on the elite start line by Charlotte Purdue, Rose Harvey and Phily Bowden, who have all previously run under 2:26. Eight-time champion David Weir is one of six Britons in the elite wheelchair men's field, while Eden Rainbow-Cooper, who finished fourth in Monday's Boston Marathon, is joined by multiple Paralympic medallist and London debutant Sammi Kinghorn and Jade Jones-Hall in the women's wheelchair race.
