We are doing a press conference virtually, is that not technology? We should accept technology and marry technology. “Secondly, development goes hand-in-hand with technology. “We live in the 21st century and we need to accept change,” Kipchoge told reporters. Some critics have argued that the advancement in technology is akin to doping, though Kipchoge defended the shoe ahead of Sunday’s race. Kichoge’s Vienna run received backing from petrochemical company Ineos in an attempt called the 1:59 Challenge, though the milestone didn’t count as a world record.ĭuring the race, Kipchoge followed behind a car – a condition not allowed under IAAF sanctions – and was assisted by an army of 30 pacemakers.

Nike’s Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, a version of the prototype Kipchoge wore when he ran a marathon in 1:59:40 in Vienna last October, is said to provide a 4% boost in running economy – the amount of work a runner must do at a given speed – compared with other top racing shoes.

Kenyan long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge will wear Nike’s controversial shoe for the first time in an official race at this weekend’s prestigious London Marathon.

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