INEOS 1:59 Challenge to take place in Austrian capital on October 12 after “extensive worldwide assessment process”

The Austrian city of Vienna has been named as the location for the INEOS 1:59 Challenge – Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt to break the two-hour barrier for the marathon – which is due to take place on October 12 this year.

After what has been described as “an extensive worldwide assessment process”, The Prater – a large public park in the Austrian capital – has been chosen as the venue which will provide optimum conditions for the Kenyan world record-holder’s bid to make history. The news comes as something of a surprise, given initial suggestions that the event would take place in London.

The marathon is to be held on a multi-lap, 9.6km course centred on Hauptallee – a long, straight and tree-lined avenue which runs through the heart The Prater. Each lap will involve Kipchoge running two 4.3km out-and-back stretches, with the turning points coming at the Lusthaus and Praterstern roundabouts at either end of the Hauptallee avenue.

Saturday October 12 has been identified as the date upon which the attempt will take place, however a reserve window of eight days has been scheduled until October 20, in case of adverse weather conditions. On what promises to be a busy weekend for the marathon, October 13 will see Mo Farah defend his Chicago title in the United States.

Organisers say Vienna has been chosen because it provides:

• A fast and flat track
• A straight road, the 4.3km stretch of Prater Hauptallee
• Consistent and optimum performance weather conditions in October
• Fresh air – the park is described as the ‘green lung of Vienna’
• Wide, traffic-free and illuminated roads
• Ability to have supporters lining the route
• Within a 3-hour time difference of where Kipchoge trains in Kenya
• A proactive and welcoming local Mayor and experienced Vienna Marathon team

“Eliud Kipchoge is the greatest ever marathon runner and the only athlete in the world who has any chance of beating the two-hour time,” said Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS. “Nobody’s been able to achieve this. It’s not unlike trying to put a man on the moon. If Eliud runs 1:59 it will be the first time that any human has ever been able to break that barrier.

“We have a responsibility to ensure he is given the best chance. After an extensive search of venues fitting Eliud’s criteria, we are delighted to be working with Vienna, and hope to see history made in October.”

Kipchoge, who has begun his preparations, added: “I’ve been informed Vienna has a fast and flat course, nicely protected by trees. The course is as well situated in the heart of this beautiful city which will enable a great number of spectators to be part of this historical event.”