K Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic champion, announced his intention to participate in a marathon that will take place in Antarctica. This was revealed in a press release from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The legendary athlete stated his goal to challenge himself in extremely harsh climatic conditions:
“I am going to run in Antarctica. Now I want to do something extraordinary that will make me work harder,” Kipchoge said.
New stage in his career
Kipchoge, who recently turned 40, has already secured a solid place in the history of world sports. He became a two-time Olympic champion in the marathon at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020. He also won a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics and a bronze in 2004 in the 5000 meters. In 2003, he became the world champion in the same distance.
Kipchoge is considered one of the greatest marathon runners of modern times: he was the first to officially run a marathon in under two hours, setting a historic record as part of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge.
Extreme challenge
The run in Antarctica will be one of the most challenging tests in Kipchoge's career. Marathons in this region take place under conditions of strong winds, biting cold, and difficult terrain. Temperatures during the competition can drop below -20°C, and the surface often consists of snow and ice.
Despite this, Kipchoge is confident in his abilities and aims to once again demonstrate the limits of human potential.
