Vehicle manufacturer, Isuzu has unveiled a limited edition Isuzu D-Max model, dubbed the “1:59 Special,” to commemorate Eliud Kipchoge’s record sub-two hour marathon accomplishment three years ago on the streets of Vienna.
This comes on the third anniversary of his landmark Ineos 1:59 challenge.
In a specialised competition put up by the British multinational chemical corporation Ineos, Kipchoge became the first man to ever finish a marathon in under two hours. He finished in 1:59:40, beating the goal.
“This partnership will cement a five year old partnership and open new exciting, meaningful ways to engage our customers. This is to honour Eliud in a great way for what he achieved with the Ineos 1:59 run,” said Rita Kavashe, the Isuzu East Africa General Manager.
She continued, “A portion of the revenues will benefit the Eliud Kipchoge Foundation, which helps develop young talent, particularly in Kaptagat, where Kipchoge trains.
“My third leg is an Isuzu. They are a component of the systems I’ve developed to guide me on my journey. Isuzu is one of my supporters and works with me as a team to help me succeed. Isuzu’s efforts to encourage sports should be emulated by other corporations. “Sport is life,” said Kipchoge.
You can see what has occurred over the past five years and I want to thank them for their support because they have been with me, he continued.
In the interim, Kavashe has claimed that their company’s profile has grown since they began working with Kipchoge five years ago.
“Since we began the collaboration, we have increased our ownership of the D-Max to 50 per cent and the double cab to 30 per cent. This actually goes a long way toward demonstrating the effect of these alliances” according to Kavashe.
Kipchoge will have the privilege of owning the first of the car when it goes on sale early the following year.