Ahead of their time? Three marathoners, aided by sponsor Nike, are attempting to become the rst runners to break the two-hour barrier.

Eliud Kipchoge, 32, Reigning Olympic champion. He owns the third fastest , 27, time in history of 2hr 3min 5sec set Marathon silver medallist at the 2013 at the 2016 Marathon, behind , 35, world championships. PB is 2:04:45 Dennis Kimetto (2.02.57) and Owns the men’s world set at the 2013 Dubai Marathon. (2.03.03). record (58:23) and won Olympic bronze in 10,000m at 2004 Games. Personal best is 2:10:41 set at the 2012 .

Progression of marathon 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

2:55:18 2:29:01 2:26:42 2:14:28 2:09.36 2:04:55 2:02:57 Johnny Haynes, Albert Michelsen, Sohn Kee Chung, Leonard Edelen, , , Dennis Kimetto, 1908 London 1925 Port Chester 1935 Tokyo 1963 Polytechnic 1967 Fukuoka 2003 2014 Berlin Olympics Marathon in New Marathon Marathon in Marathon in Marathon Marathon • The American’s York • The Korean was England • The Australian was • A two-time • The Kenyan is the victory, in front of • The plumber from the rst Asian to • The American was the rst to break Olympic silver only man with a the King of Stamford, hold the marathon the rst to post a the 2:10 barrier and medallist (10,000m), sub-2:03 time and England’s Royal Box, Connecticut was the world record. He sub-2:15 time. He then lowered his the Kenyan took a his effort was 26sec was the rst rst to run below went on to win gold was elected into the world record two momentary wrong faster than the marathon 2:30. at the 1936 Berlin US’ National Track years later in turn near the nish previous world conducted over the Olympics. and Field Hall of Antwerp by more but still won the record of 2:03:23 set now of cial distance Fame in 2016. than a minute with a race and was the by compatriot of 42.195km. 2:08:33 effort. rst to cross the Wilson Kipsang at 2:05 mark. the 2013 .

Elements that could lend a helping hand

THE SHOES THE KIT • Nike’s 200g Zoom • The three Vapory Elite has been runners will custom- tted for the wear special three athletes. It socks, shorts combines a new foam and singlets. It and curved carbon is claimed that insert, which also helps they offer an change the angle of the advantage in foot. This means runners terms of require 4 per cent less aerodynamics energy to go at the same and/or speed compared to ventilation and previous shoes. support.

THE COURSE PACEMAKERS MOBILE SUPPORT • The attempt will be run on • All three runners will be • The runners will follow about 17 laps of a 2.4km accompanied by an elite a car with a large clock loop that forms part of the group of pacemakers, who on the back showing Formula One track in will rotate among elapsed time, splits, and northern . It was themselves to help ensure projected nish time. selected due to a the record-breaking pace. They will also be served combination of Among the pacers are drinks on the move, environmental factors, multiple Olympic and world avoiding the need to including average championship medallist slow down and lose temperature, air pressure , Under-20 rhythm at traditional and wind levels. The surface, world champion (5,000m) drinks stations. with no kerbs or cambers, Selemon Barega and was also considered two-time Olympian Collis PHOTOS: NIKE optimal. . STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS