Sunset+Vine to produce host coverage of Kipchoge marathon record attempt
Sunset+Vine will produce host coverage of runner Eliud Kipchoge’s attempt to break the legendary two-hour marathon barrier.
The London-based independent TV sports production company has been selected by the INEOS 1:59 Challenge team to provide what is being described as a “360-degree host broadcast, digital and distribution solution” to cover the run by a man considered to be the world’s greatest marathon runner.
The INEOS 1:59 Challenge is Kipchoge’s second attempt to become the first person in history to run the 26.2-mile marathon distance (42.2km) in under two hours. The attempt is scheduled for the morning of Saturday 12 October 2019 although a window will remain open until Sunday 20 October in case of adverse weather conditions in The Prater, Vienna, Austria.
The primary enhanced programme feed will contain links and signposts to specially-curated live second screen content and user-controlled data streams provided by a collaboration between Sunset+Vine, INEOS and Singular Live.
Discussions are currently underway between Sunset+Vine’s distribution team and broadcasters and platforms to create a global broadcast framework that can deliver the challenge to the widest possible television and digital audience.
In addition, Sunset+Vine TV News will be providing a full news production and distribution service both in the build-up to the Challenge and on the day itself. And Sunset+Vine’s digital team will be creating content and stories for all social platforms both in the build-up and live on the day.
Andrew Preece, executive director, Sunset+Vine, said: “This is a Challenge that tests the extreme limits of human capability. As such, it’s our duty to position this milestone alongside landing on the moon, breaking the four-minute mile, the sub 10 second 100 metres and sailing around the world in under 80 days.
“The INEOS 1:59 Challenge requires much more than a straight host broadcast coverage plan to deliver a memorable broadcast proposition. It’s a mission that has been months in the making and which must reach a crescendo as Eliud Kipchoge, the greatest marathon runner of all time, starts his attempt. It requires not just broadcast planning but also news, social and digital activation build-up to capture the attention of the world’s broadcast community and to generate viewer demand. It must resonate on a global level.”
Tom Crotty, INEOS Group Director for Corporate Affairs and Communications, added: “We aspire to create a landmark live broadcast that reflects the enormity of Eliud’s attempt. Sunset+Vine’s vision brings the Challenge alive, incorporating a range of technical and editorial innovations with a cast of global star quality guests and contributors, in a way that will surprise and engage viewers.
“We are confident that their approach will set the profile of the INEOS 1:59 Challenge at a very high level internationally.”
Photo credit: Bob Martin