1:58.06: The athletes of 42 House delivered a memorable performance, finishing just 59 seconds off the world record this Sunday, November 2, at the MAIF Ekiden de Paris.More than chasing a world record, this achievement celebrates the success of a project launched two years ago by KIPRUN: providing Kenyan athletes with the best possible living and training conditions so they can fully unlock their potential and perform at the highest level.
The Strength of the Collective
This achievement is first and foremost about the athletes behind it: Elisha Barkutwo, Amos Kipkemoi, Edward Cheserek, John Lomoni Aimun, Ezra Ondiso, and Brian Kibor. On the streets of Paris, they showcased not just talent, but the human story at the heart of 42 House. Behind these six runners stands an entire community: fifteen athletes who train together year-round in Iten, at the very heart of the home of running. Living under one roof, they share far more than a training plan. They share a life, a family spirit, and a mutual drive that pushes each of them to surpass their limits every single day. This unique dynamic, fueled by healthy competition, solidarity, and shared ambition, is one of the core foundations of 42 House’s extraordinary performance.
Performance also depends on the environment and the top-level support system in place. Athletes living at 42 House year-round have access to everything they need to excel: gym facilities, recovery areas, coaches, physiotherapists, massage therapists, chefs, and more. This comprehensive 360-degree support, made possible by KIPRUN, allows each athlete to fully focus on their training and ambitions.
In running, as in life, the journey matters more than the destination. It is this unique combination of individual talent, team cohesion, and exceptional support that made an outstanding performance possible in this legendary relay race, where six runners together cover the full marathon distance of 42.195 km.
“42 House was created to demonstrate that true performance stems from both well-being and team cohesion,” says Marc Roig, Sports Director of 42 House. “The ekiden is the ultimate test of that philosophy. Watching these athletes, whom we support every day, running such a time is an incredible source of pride.”
A Collective Ambition
This ambitious world record attempt was meticulously planned over more than six months. Marc Roig, Sports Director of 42 House, carefully selected a team of the six most suitable athletes, considering both their personal goals and the healthy competition within the group. This approach allowed each team member to challenge their dream of leaving a mark in history, without compromising their individual ambitions on their signature distance.
Furthermore, this achievement was also made possible by KIPRUN’s ambition. The French running brand went to great lengths to create the ideal conditions for setting a world record. Working closely with its elite athletes, KIPRUN developed a shoe specifically designed to enhance performance over the ekiden distance: the KIPSTORM LAB. True to its athlete-centered approach and mission to help every runner reach their full potential, KIPRUN supported the athletes in every detail of their preparation. One week before the event, the brand brought the entire 42 House team, including runners, coaches, and technical staff, together in the suburbs of Paris to help them acclimate while maintaining their routines.
“Today, we are proving that our approach works: taking care of people allows performance to flourish,” says Anthony Dulieu, CEO of KIPRUN. “This outstanding time is proof that our 360-degree support and technological innovations can deliver great results. It stands as a powerful testament to the credibility of our athletes, our teams, our products, and our entire community.”
Next Steps
Buoyed by this collective achievement and confident in its model, KIPRUN is pursuing its ambitions on a global scale. Therefore, the athletes of 42 House will now focus on preparing for their upcoming races at their signature distances, aiming once again to etch their names into the history of athletics. Meanwhile, KIPRUN is committed to maintaining its streak of podium finishes in the world’s top road and trail races, all while looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and the pursuit of its first Olympic medal. By that time, world records may well fall.
About KIPRUN
KIPRUN is a specialist brand from the DECATHLON group, dedicated to road and trail running. Its engineers, designers and product managers develop ever more technical and innovative products, as well as services to make road and trail running easier. KIPRUN covers 100% of runners’ needs and allows them to concentrate solely on the thrill of running!
