Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich shattered the women’s marathon world record in Chicago, finishing with an unprecedented time and becoming the first woman to break the 2:10:00 barrier. This achievement not only cemented her place in marathon history but also marked a moment of deep personal significance for Chepngetich.
Historic Record: 2:09:56
Chepngetich finished the race in a remarkable 2:09:56, slashing nearly two minutes off the previous world record. The prior best of 2:11:53 was set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa just a month earlier in the Berlin Marathon. Chepngetich’s extraordinary performance at the 2024 Chicago Marathon surpassed all expectations, with her pace and stamina leaving spectators in awe.
Tribute to the Late Kelvin Kiptum
Upon crossing the finish line, Chepngetich dedicated her world record to the late Kelvin Kiptum, a fellow Kenyan marathon runner who tragically passed away earlier this year in a road accident in Kenya. Kiptum had made his mark in the running world when he broke the men’s marathon world record in Chicago the previous year. Chepngetich’s emotional tribute highlighted her respect for Kiptum’s legacy and how his achievements inspired her.
“This world record I’m dedicating to Kelvin Kiptum,” she said through tears at the finish line. “I’m so happy. I don’t know how to explain.” Her words conveyed the emotional weight of her victory, not only as a professional milestone but as a personal homage to a compatriot lost too soon.
Third Victory in Chicago
This victory marked Chepngetich’s third win in the Chicago Marathon, following her previous triumphs in 2021 and 2022. The Chicago race has become a significant venue in her career, and this latest victory was her most impressive yet. Her performance was nearly five minutes faster than her previous personal best, also set in Chicago two years earlier.
Chepngetich shared how much this win meant to her, saying, “I feel so great. The world record is my dream, and now it has come true. I fought hard thinking about the world record, and now I’ve fulfilled it. I’m so grateful.”
Perfect Conditions and Preparation
The conditions during the 2024 Chicago Marathon were nearly ideal, contributing to Chepngetich’s success. She credited her intensive preparation and the favorable weather for enabling her to push past the limits. “This year, the weather was perfect, and I prepared well. The world record was on my mind,” she explained, attributing her incredible feat to a combination of mental focus and physical readiness.
Dominating Performance
Chepngetich’s dominance in the race was clear from the outset. She finished more than seven minutes ahead of the second-place runner, Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who clocked in at 2:17:51. Kenya’s Irine Cheptai secured third place with a time of 2:22:30, rounding off a strong showing for East African athletes.
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The magnitude of Chepngetich’s achievement cannot be overstated. The sub-2:10:00 mark had long been seen as unattainable for female marathon runners, much like the 2:00:00 barrier was once considered unreachable for male runners. Chepngetich’s performance has opened a new chapter in women’s marathon running, setting a standard that will inspire future generations of athletes.
A New Milestone in Women’s Marathon
The 2:10:00 mark for women had been a significant psychological and physical barrier for years. Chepngetich, a former world marathon champion in 2019, had consistently been among the top runners in the world. However, this race propelled her into a new echelon of greatness. She was previously ranked fourth on the all-time list, but her historic run in Chicago not only improved her personal best by nearly five minutes but also elevated her status to world-record holder.
Kenyan Success in Chicago
Chepngetich’s triumph was part of a remarkable day for Kenyan runners at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. In the men’s race, John Korir took first place with an impressive time of 2:02:43, the second-fastest time ever recorded in Chicago. His victory completed a Kenyan double, following in the footsteps of Kelvin Kiptum’s world-record performance from the previous year. Korir’s success further emphasized Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.
The Road Ahead
With her new world record, Chepngetich has raised the bar for women’s marathon running. Her achievement opens up the possibility for further breakthroughs in a sport that continues to evolve. She has not only proven her own capabilities but also inspired a new generation of female athletes to believe that no limit is insurmountable.
As for Chepngetich, her journey is far from over. With her Chicago victory and world record now in hand, she will likely turn her attention to new challenges, including defending her title and possibly targeting future Olympic and World Championship victories. Her dedication, hard work, and resilience will undoubtedly continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes around the globe.
Ruth Chepngetich’s stunning world-record marathon run in Chicago will be remembered as one of the greatest achievements in women’s distance running. Breaking the 2:10:00 barrier not only solidified her legacy but also paid tribute to a fallen fellow runner, Kelvin Kiptum. Her perseverance, emotional dedication, and preparation allowed her to realize a dream that seemed out of reach, cementing her status as one of the greatest marathoners in history.
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