Japanese automaker, Isuzu D-Max on Tuesday, October 11, launched the "Eliud Kipchoge 1:59" Special Limited Edition in honour of the achievements of two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge.
Isuzu East Africa Managing Director, Rita Kavashe, noted that they will manufacture only 159 cars in honour of Kipchoge's Ineos 1:59 record.
Kipchoge, in October 2019, became the first athlete to unofficially run a 42 km marathon below two hours.
She added that the launch celebrated Kipchoge's illustrious career.
"These will be limited editions for customers interested in these types of vehicles."
"We want to celebrate Kipchoge's success in a different way as a company considering that we have gained a lot since our partnership started in 2017," she stated during the model launch at Isuzu premises in Nairobi.
Reports indicated that the model is valued at around Ksh5 million. Kavashe also pointed out that Kipchoge will be honoured to drive the first vehicle of the special edition 001.
Kipchoge, on the other hand, gave a passionate speech about developing a mindset for success.
He attributed his success to integrity, loving one's work, self-discipline, belief in oneself and having the right character.
Kipchoge smashed his own world record at the BMW Berlin Marathon on September 25, 2022, at 2:01.09.
The momentous win superseded his 2018 Berlin victory when he set a world record at 2:01:39.
"Limits are there to be broken. By you and me together. I can say that I am beyond happy today that the official world record is once again faster.
"Thank you to all the runners in the world that inspire me every day to push myself, "Kipchoge stated after the race.
In September 2018, the company awarded him a brand new ISUZU D-max and a Ksh20 million bounty.
