In an extraordinary display of innovation and endurance, Kenyan marathoner Barnabas Kiplimo etched his name in the history books by winning the 20th edition of the Khon Kaen Marathon in Thailand on Sunday, January 19th. The 28-year-old stunned the running world by crossing the finish line first in 2:18:55—wearing VING carbon plated sandals.
But these weren’t ordinary sandals. Kiplimo raced in the Nirun, the world’s first carbon-plated running sandal, designed by Thai brand VING. Dubbed the “world’s first super sandal,” the Nirun combines cutting-edge technology with a traditional thong-style flip-flop design. Its proprietary foam upper and midsole house a full-length carbon plate, delivering exceptional responsiveness and enhancing cadence, while a foam heel strap ensures added security during high-speed runs.
VING Carbon Plated Sandals: A New Era of Running Footwear
Unlike conventional carbon-plated racing shoes that rely on lightweight fabrics for uppers, the Nirun redefines performance gear with its minimalistic yet innovative approach. VING has been rigorously testing the super sandal at their product camp in Iten, Kenya—a renowned training hub for elite long-distance runners. The testing aims to assess the sandal’s durability, performance, and speed under warm conditions.
Although still in its prototype phase, VING plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in February to fund the next iteration of the sandals. The brand also intends to showcase the Nirun at the 2025 L.A. Marathon, signaling its ambition to revolutionize the running world.
Kiplimo’s Remarkable Victory
Kiplimo’s win at the Khon Kaen Marathon wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement. Having placed 43rd in the 2023 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, the Kenyan made a staggering improvement, shaving eight minutes off his personal best. His dominance in the second half of the race left Ethiopia’s Ebisa Kure Takele trailing by nearly three minutes, with Takele finishing second in 2:21:43. Fellow Ethiopian Tsega Desta Mehari claimed third in 2:52:11.
While the race’s course record of 2:16:44, set by Kenyan Kennedy Kiptoo Lilan 14 years ago, remains intact, Kiplimo’s performance drew global attention for its groundbreaking footwear choice.
The Future of Running with VING Carbon Plated Sandals
For his win, Kiplimo earned $1,467 (Ksh 189,792) in prize money, but his achievement goes beyond financial rewards. It showcases the potential of unconventional gear in competitive running and underscores the importance of innovation in breaking barriers.
The Nirun’s debut at Khon Kaen hints at a future where performance meets simplicity, proving that even the most traditional designs can adapt to modern technology. With VING’s upcoming Kickstarter and further development, these sandals may soon become a staple in the running community.
Barnabas Kiplimo’s historic triumph not only cemented his place in marathon lore but also sparked a conversation about what’s possible when innovation meets grit. As he crossed the finish line wearing the world’s first super sandal, he reminded us that sometimes, all it takes to make history is the courage to try something new.