Breaking2 was a scientific research project and organized marathon attempt conducted by Nike in 2017 to investigate whether a human could run a marathon in under two hours. The project, led by researcher Geoff Burns and involving running legend Alberto Salazar as coach, centered on Eliud Kipchoge as the primary athlete attempting the sub-two-hour milestone.
The event took place on May 6, 2017, on a specially selected flat course in Monza, Italy. Kipchoge ran with assistance from a team of world-class pacing runners (including other elite Kenyans and international runners) who strategically assisted with pacing and drafting. Environmental conditions were carefully optimized: temperature, humidity, and air quality were monitored and adjusted as much as possible.
Kipchoge ran 2:00:25, missing the two-hour target but coming remarkably close. This performance demonstrated the feasibility of breaking two hours and provided scientific data about the conditions and strategies that might make it possible.
While this time was not ratified as an official world record (due to the controlled conditions), it represented one of the most remarkable marathon performances ever and influenced subsequent attempts to break two hours.
See Also
- INEOS 159 Challenge
- Eliud Kipchoge
- Kenya Marathon Majors
- Kenya Athletics Overview
- Berlin Marathon Kenya
Sources
- Breaking2 Official Project Documentation - https://www.breaking2.com/
- Nike Research on Sub-Two-Hour Marathon Attempts
- Kipchoge, E. et al. Scientific Analysis of Breaking2 Performance (2017)