Shock as Eliud Kipchoge defeated in 2020 London Marathon

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge (white jersey) celebrates after crossing the finish line at the end of his attempt to bust the mythical two-hour barrier for the marathon on October 12, 2019, in Vienna. [AFP]

The greatest marathoner of his generation Eliud Kipchoge cemented his name in history books after the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria last year.

Kenya’s most daring son, Kipchoge, embarked on a body-punishing quest as he aimed to run 42km in a mind-blowing under two hours.

Kipchoge ran a staggering 1:59:40, shattering the mythical sub-two marathon barrier that left the world on edge for the duration of the spectacle.

The man, described by many as the philosopher marathon King, said earlier he was staying calm even as the world turned its eye on his 5’6” frame as he dares to five London Marathon titles today.

This would take him past the great Norwegian Ingrid Kristiansen, with whom he is currently tied on four wins.

The Standard Sport followed the showpiece and below is how the events unfolded.

2: 40pm EAT

2:40PM - Athletics - London Marathon - London, Britain - October 4, 2020. Ethiopia's Shura Kitata celebrates winning the elite men's race with second-placed Kenya's Vincent Kipchumba and third-placed Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma. [Photo: REUTERS/Richard Heathcote]

2:28pm

2:28pm - Ethiopia's Shura Kitata wins the elite men's race. [Photo: REUTERS/Richard Heathcote]

2:14pm

Ethiopia's Shura Kitata leading during the elite men's race. [Photo: REUTERS/Adam Davy]

2:00pm

2:00PM - Kenya's Vincent Kipchumba with runners during the elite men's race. [Photo: REUTERS/Adam Davy]

1:50pm EAT

1:50PM - Kipchoge under a bit of pressure from Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma. [REUTERS/Adam Davy]

1:45pm EAT

1:45PM- Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma Kipchoge and other athletes on Sunday. [Photo: REUTERS/Ian Walton]

 

1:30pm EAT

1:30PM - Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge with pacemakers during the elite men's race. [REUTERS/Ian Walton]

1:08pm EAT

1:08pm - Pacemaker Farah runs past a cardboard cut-out of Britain's Queen Elizabeth during the elite men's race on Sunday. [Photo: REUTERS/John Sibley]

1:00pm - Republic of Ireland's Michael Clohisey during the race in London. [REUTERS/Ian Walton]

Pacemaker Britain's Mo Farah with runners during the elite men's race. Farah, 37, is among the competitors to have achieved the Olympic-qualifying time of two hours 11 minutes 30 seconds. "The London Marathon has been so important to me since I was a schoolboy and when they asked me to do this I thought it would be great to help," said Farah, who finished third in 2018 and fifth last year. "I am in good shape. I'll be in London that week and it fits in with my training,” Farah said. [Photo: Reuters]

The world marathon record holder and runners run past Buckingham Palace in London during the elite men's race. [Photo: REUTERS/Ian Walton]

 

Kipchoge with his pacemakers leading the pack. The athletes are at 32 minutes into the race. [REUTERS/Richard Heathcote]

12:15pm EAT

12:15pm - The Men's Elite Race race is underway. 19 and three-quarter laps of St James's Park. Eliud Kipchoge looks inspired alongside his competitors. [Photo: REUTERS/Adam Davy]