Ruth Chepngetich Breaks World Record in Chicago
Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya broke the world marathon record by almost two minutes on Sunday, winning the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:09:56.
At 30 years old, Ruth Chepngetich surpassed the previous world record held by Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia, who had completed the 2023 Berlin Marathon in 2:11:53 . Sutume Asefa Kebede , also from Ethiopia, finished second with a time of 2:17:32.
"I'm very happy. I'm very proud of myself. This is my dream. I fought hard, always thinking about the world record," said Ruth Chepngetich.
Ruth Chepngetich became the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:10 . She had previously won the Chicago Marathon in 2021 and 2022 and finished second last year.
On the men's side, John Korir of Kenya won the race with a time of 2:02:44 , beating Huseydin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia who finished with 2:04:39.
John Korir and Ruth Chepngetich dedicated their races to the memory of Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya, who broke the world record by 34 seconds , finishing with a time of 2:00:35 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
"The world record has returned to Kenya. I dedicate this world record to Kelvin Kiptum ," stated Ruth Chepngetich.
According to police, 24 -year-old athlete Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana , died in a car accident in February after colliding with a tree near a training area in Kaptagat, Kenya.
Organizers held a moment of silence in honor of Kiptum before the race and offered the nearly 50.000 runners a commemorative sticker to place on their bibs. The 42,195 km race started and finished in Grant Park.
Conclusion
After the race, it was clear that Ruth Chepngetich had cemented her name in athletics history by becoming the first woman to run a marathon in under 2:10. Her performance in Chicago not only brought the world record back to Kenya but also honored the legacy of Kelvin Kiptum, whose loss is still deeply felt in the world of sports.
The moving tribute and moment of silence before the race reflected the unity and strength of the athletic community. At the same time, John Korir's performance reaffirmed Kenya's dominance in international marathons. These extraordinary feats leave an indelible mark on the sport and inspire future generations of runners.
Picture: © 2024 Tess Crowley / Chicago Tribune
