Obama praises marathon runners Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei for 'remarkable examples of humanity's ability'

Former President Obama praised marathon runners Brigid Kosgei and Eliud Kipchoge on Sunday for their groundbreaking achievements over the weekend, applauding the two for their "remarkable examples of humanity's ability."

Kipchoge became the first person ever to run a marathon in under two hours, though the time will not count as a world record due to the controlled conditions under which it was achieved.

Kosgei set a new women's marathon record with her unofficial time of 2:14:04 in winning the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

Yesterday, marathoner Eliud Kipchoge became the first ever to break two hours. Today in Chicago, Brigid Kosgei set a new women’s world record. Staggering achievements on their own, they’re also remarkable examples of humanity’s ability to endure—and keep raising the bar.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 13, 2019

Kenyan runner Kipchoge thanked Obama for the congratulatory tweet Monday, saying the former president has inspired him.

"It would be my greatest honour if we could meet, and discuss how we can make this world a running world," he tweeted. "As a running world is a peaceful world."

Dear Mr. Obama, Thank you for your special words. In life we hope to inspire others. Thank you for inspiring me. It would be my greatest honour if we could meet, and discuss how we can make this world a running world. As a running world is a peaceful world. #NoHumanIsLimited https://t.co/RTe2Sf7MwZ
— Eliud Kipchoge (@EliudKipchoge) October 14, 2019