Eliud Kipchoge on Saturday became the first person in history to run a 26.2-mile marathon in less than 2 hours.
The 34-year-old from Kenya clocked in with an astonishing 1:59:40 at the “INEOS 1:59 Challenge” event in Vienna, Austria.
“I’m feeling good,” Kipchoge said after the run. “I’m the first man, I want to inspire many people that no human is limited.”
But Kipchoge’s stunning time won’t go down in the world record books because he was only accompanied by a rotating group of pacesetters on the course that was specifically created for his attempt, reported The New York Times.
Kipchoge still holds the official record, however, with his 2:01:39 run in the 2018 Berlin Marathon. As Kipchoge crossed the finish line, the crowds erupted ― both in the Austrian capital and on Twitter, where many fans admitted to shedding tears at the history-making moment:
Genuinely shedding a tear at the incredible Eliud Kipchoge footage. The sheer joy on everyone’s faces.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) October 12, 2019
For me, this is the most impressive sporting achievement in history. Absolutely moved to tears to be able to witness this in my lifetime. A sub-2hour marathon. To get perspective, go and try to run at 21kph for 300meters….
Incredible @EliudKipchoge & everyone behind @INEOS159 pic.twitter.com/fW9ZJVZNzg— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) October 12, 2019
HISTORY!!!! Eliud Kipchoge has DONE IT!!! Real tears!!
— Philip Mwaniki (@Mwanikih) October 12, 2019
Holy shit the 2 hour marathon barrier is gone!! Tears in my eyes honestly. Eliud Kipchoge is the man!!
— Jácķ (@JackWJB94) October 12, 2019
Tears!!! What an achievement. Eliud Kipchoge of #Kenya becomes first man to run a full marathon in under two hours. Incredible feat.
— Matina Stevis-Gridneff (@MatinaStevis) October 12, 2019
DID I JUST SHED TEARS BECAUSE KIPCHOGE WON😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. PROUDLY KENYAN.
— tatyana (@tatty_annah) October 12, 2019
I AM CRYING IN MY BEDROOM. Eliud Kipchoge just broke 2 hours for the marathon!!!
This is absolutely unreal.
— Connor Weaver (@connorweaves) October 12, 2019
Eliud Kipchoge has brought me to tears!!! Congratulations 🎉🎊🍾 he really is special
— Anne Mwaura (@ItsAnneMwaura) October 12, 2019
First man to run a FULL MARATHON in UNDER 2 HOURS!
The way he ran the last 1km had tears rolling down my cheeks. What a day for sports. What a day for mankind.
Eliud Kipchoge, I no longer have any superlatives for you. Thank you. https://t.co/JiK4q7rp6W
— Keesh Sundaresan (@KeeshSundaresan) October 12, 2019