Two out of twelve participating teams at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) broke the 1:59:40 record marathon time posted by the long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge in October 2019.
The teams of runners took part in the second edition of Katching Kipchoge, a community relay race event organized by NYUAD Athletics. It has been designed to promote running as a rewarding and enjoyable aspect of an active, healthy, and social lifestyle.
The event was held this week on NYUAD’s outdoor track, where teams made up of 15 runners each attempted to break Kipchoge’s record. The teams completed a total of 105.5 laps around the NYUAD outdoor track, with each participant running segments of either 200 or 400 meters.
The Abu Dhabi Police team broke the record, finishing 106 laps at 01:44:09, while the Ultimate Athletics team won second place with the same distance at 01:48:35.
Teams included community running groups, such as Haddins, Blue Speed, Runthusiasts, Ultimate Athletics, and Abu Dhabi Striders, as well as corporate entities including Daman, Miral, and the Abu Dhabi Police, alongside two NYUAD student and community teams.
Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Athletics Peter Dicce said, “Katching Kipchoge is a unique team event that is even more challenging this year given Eliud Kipchoge’s historic feat of breaking the two-hour marathon barrier. NYUAD was delighted to welcome approximately 200 runners to campus as they strove to beat Kipchoge’s record, but more importantly build community through sport in Abu Dhabi.”
