Kenyan runner Eliud Kipchoge has thanked former US President Barack Obama for his Twitter message commending him for his historic achievement over the weekend.

The World and Olympic marathon champion became the first person to cover the 26.2 miles (42.2km) distance in one hour 59 minutes 40 seconds in the Ineos 1:59 Challenge in Austria’s capital, Vienna.

It will not, however, be recognised as the official marathon world record because it was not in open competition and he used a team of rotating pacemakers.

“This shows no-one is limited,” said Kipchoge after the race.

Kipchoge thanked the former US president for “inspiring” him.

Mr Obama – whose father was Kenyan – also congratulated another Kenyan – Brigid Kosgei – who smashed the 16-year-old women’s marathon world record held by Britain’s Paula Radcliffe as she retained her title in the Chicago marathon.

Brigid clocked 2:14:04, slashing 81 seconds from Paula’s record.