President Uhuru Kenyatta leads Kenyans in congratulating Kipchoge
What you need to know:
- Kipchoge completed the race in one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds
- President Uhuru Kenyatta led the country in acknowledging the Olympic champion for the historic feat
Kenyans Saturday took to social media to congratulate Eliud Kipchoge after he became the first man to run the marathon under two hours during INEOS 1:59 Challenge at Prater Park, Vienna.
Kipchoge completed the race in one hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds and President Uhuru Kenyatta led the country in acknowledging the Olympic champion for the historic feat.
“Hearty congratulations Eliud. You’ve done it my brother, you've made history and made Kenya super proud while at it. Your win today, against all odds, will inspire tens of future generations to dream big and to aspire for greatness. We celebrate you and wish you God's blessings,” read a post from State House Kenya Facebook page.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga said, "This is the stuff of history Eliud 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 sub 2 hour marathon."
Sports Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed tweeted: “With the entire world watching and waiting with baited breathe, Kipchoge began the run at 9:15am Kenyan time in Prater Park, Vienna, Austria, and completed the marathon in 1:59:40 effectively achieving what was previously thought humanly impossible. #NoHumanIsLimited #TwendeKazi.”
Cabinet Secretary for Tourism, Najib Balala wrote on his Twitter handle saying, “History made. Congratulations to the #Magical #Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge. The first human to break the less than 2 hour marathon barrier. #eliud159 #MagicalKenya #NoHumanIsLimited.”
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat noted that Kipchoge had shown the world how to break barriers. He wrote on the NOC-K's Twitter handle. “Phenomenal! Kenya once again has shown the way…breaking barriers. Eliud has given us another iconic mark. Personally, I am proud, excited and delighted as a Kenyan, former marathoner and sports leader.”
Many fans have said the race lived up to the expectations of inspiring people.
Roberto Vernina, “I’ve watched the run from the start, and I couldn't get my eyes off of it. It's been so inspiring, and Eliud has set a point: If you really believe in what you're doing, there's no limit at all. Thanks for this, thank you Eliud.”
Andrew Langat joked, “As a teacher, from today I will never set limits for my students, scoring 101/100 is possible. No man is limited!”
Others like Titichai Nilkumvong said Kipchoge’s performance will live on for a long time. “I wept watching you cross finish line, Eliud. It’s one of unforgettable moment of my life.”
Andrew Blessed, “I almost cried. Damn....I feel challenged and for that matter I am just going to chase my dreams harder since everything is possible. Congratulations Sir.”
