Ruth Chepngetich Breaks World Record in Chicago
Ruth Chepngetich, from Kenya, broke the marathon world record by almost two minutes on Sunday, winning the Chicago Marathon in time 2:09:56.
At age 30, Ruth Chepngetich surpassed the previous world record of Tigist Assefa, from 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 under 2:10. She had already won the Chicago Marathon em 2021 e 2022 and came in second place last year.
On the male side, John Korir, from Kenya, won the race with a time of 2:02:44overcoming Huseydin Mohamed Esa, from Ethiopia that ended with 2:04:39.
John Korir and Ruth Chepngetich dedicated their races to the memory of Kelvin Kiptum, from Kenya, who broke the world record in 34 seconds, ending with the 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“. Ruth Chepngetich stated.
The athlete Kelvin Kiptum, 24 years and your coach, Gervais as Hakizima, according to police, 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 brokers an evocative sticker to place on their race numbers. The proof of 42,195 km started and ended 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
