NIKE attempt to crack two hour marathon record

By Alice Morrison

The current marathon record is a speedy 02:02:57, run by Kenyan Dennis Kimetto at the Berlin marathon in 2014.

But that isn’t good enough for Nike. Its ambition for 2017 is to break the two-hour barrier in a project called Breaking2. Funds shouldn’t be a problem as Nike made $32 billion in 2015.

In order to make the attempt, Nike has put together a fantastic team of distance runners. They are Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, the recent Olympic marathon gold medallist, Zersenay Tadese from Eritrea, the current half-marathon record holder, and Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia who has won the Boston Marathon twice.

They will be training in Oregon and although details are being kept closely guarded we understand that the athletes will run a marathon on a closed course – and of course they will be kitted out with the highest tech runwear.

Nike says, “To run the perfect race, the athletes require the most innovative product. This is a critical pillar of the Breaking2 attempt, and where Nike is able to deliver unrivalled performance benefits. After years of extensive research and development, Breaking2 will debut a system of ground-breaking innovation that has the potential to elevate every runner.”…….. intriguing!

Breaking the record by nearly three minutes seems like an almost impossible feat. However, to quote the late, great Muhamad Ali, “Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It’s a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.”

Good luck to the athletes and the Nike team.

"They will be training in Oregon and although details are being kept closely guarded we understand that the athletes will run a marathon on a closed course"

Like what you read?

Click here to sign up for more

Related news

LEJoG

By Kate Driskell In 2014 I ran the Thames Path, from the source to the barrier. By myself. Carrying my own stuff. In 2016 I

Read More »

Latest news

SEARCH

Filters

Distance
Distance - slider
0KM500KM
Entry Fee
Entry Fee - slider
010000

DATE SEARCh

Date Range

Global - Virtual

Elevation

A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for

For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Elevation

An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for

Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Brutal

Elevation

Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude)

Suitable for

Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Expert

Elevation

Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat)

Suitable for

Experienced runners who have completed at least 4 ultras in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Advanced

Elevation

Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for

Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Intermediate

Elevation

Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for

Runners who have completed at least one ultra in last 6 months or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Beginner

Elevation

Very little change < 500 metres

Suitable for

First ultra event. Runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running (>26 miles) in the last 6 months.