By Lauren HollandUpdated November 2026
The first person to run a marathon under 2 hours was Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya. He ran 1:59:40 in the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna on October 12, 2019. That run was an organized, paced attempt, not an official world record, because it used rotating pacers, a formation of lead runners, and pre-set pit stops for fluids and supplies.
Why the 2:00 Barrier Mattered
Two hours sounds like an arbitrary number, but it works out to an average pace of about 4:34 per mile, or roughly 2:50 per kilometer, sustained for 26.2 miles. For decades, runners treated it as a physiological line that no one would cross. Kipchoge’s run showed that the limit was a matter of training, pacing, and logistics rather than a hard human ceiling.
Shopping for one? See our guide: First Marathon Runner Under 2 Hours: 4 Best Books to Study the Pace.
Factors That Made the Run Possible
Several things had to line up at once. Kipchoge trained at altitude in Kenya, did high-volume aerobic work, and tracked his physiology closely. On race day, the pacing setup mattered as much as the athlete. Pacers ran in a shifting V formation to reduce air resistance, and the course was flat, with a closed loop and controlled conditions. Nutrition was delivered on a schedule rather than at the runner’s discretion.
Sustained pace control is the key skill here. Most runners lose time not because they lack fitness but because they start too fast. A sub-2 pace requires holding within a few seconds per mile for the entire distance.
What You Can Take From It
Your own marathon goals will almost certainly be far from 2:00, and that is fine. The underlying lessons still apply to any target time:
- Build a base of easy aerobic mileage before adding speed work.
- Practice race-pace running in long runs so the effort feels familiar.
- Plan your pacing in splits, and check your watch against them early.
- Rehearse your fueling on training runs, not for the first time on race day.
- Keep the first third of the race conservative, even when you feel good.
If you are considering a serious time goal or a new training block, a coach or a sports medicine professional can help you set safe, individualized targets.
What We’d Use
A reliable GPS watch makes pacing far easier. Look for a model with a current-pace display and lap-split alerts, which helps you hold target splits without constantly recalculating in your head. View on Amazon
For long training runs, a hydration vest keeps fluids accessible so you can practice the intake schedule you plan to use on race day. View on Amazon
For more context on the record’s history and what it means for the wider sport, see Can You Run Your First Marathon Under 2 Hours? Realistic Answer and First Sub 2 Hour Marathon: A Step-by-Step Guide to the 2:00 Barrier. If you are still choosing a race, Best First Marathon to Run: How to Pick the Right Race for Your Debut covers course and conditions to weigh.
FAQ
Was Kipchoge’s 1:59:40 an official world record?
No. The INEOS 1:59 Challenge used rotating pacers, pre-set supply stops, and a controlled course, so it was not ratified as a world record under standard rules.
Has anyone else run a marathon under 2 hours?
As of the most widely reported records, Kipchoge’s Vienna run is the best-known sub-2 marathon. Check current governing body listings for the latest official results.
Can an average runner aim for a sub-2 marathon?
No. A sub-2 marathon requires elite-level fitness and years of training. Most recreational runners benefit more from setting a realistic, personal target and working toward it steadily.
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About Lauren Holland
Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.
