Ruth Chepngetich ensured it was an all-Kenyan affair in both the men’s and women’s races at the Chicago marathon on Sunday as the long-distance runner joined compatriot John Korir in claiming victory at the event.
The 30-year-old smashed the women’s world record by almost two minutes, as she cruised to victory at the Chicago marathon in two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds (2:09:56).
Chepngetich shattered the previous world record of 2:11:53 held by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, which was set last year in Berlin. By so doing, she became the first woman to win the Chicago marathon three times, adding to her victories in 2021 and 2022.
“I feel so great, I’m proud of myself. This is my dream that has come true,” Chepngetich said.
“I’ve fought a lot, thinking about the world record and I have fulfilled it. The weather was perfect and I was well prepared. The world record was in my mind.
“The world record has come back to Kenya, and I dedicate this world record to Kelvin Kiptum,” the 2019 world marathon champion added.
Ruth Chepngetich, you are the Women’s World Record Holder! pic.twitter.com/bkwlfamrvN
— Chicago Marathon (@ChiMarathon) October 13, 2024
Kiptum was a former Kenyan long-distance runner, who set the men’s world record in Chicago in 2023, but sadly passed on in a car accident in February at the age of 24.
Chepngetich took charge of the race early on, and with last year’s winner and Olympic champion, Sifan Hassan, absent, she knew it was her moment to reclaim her title.
She quickly got into gear, needing only 1:04:16 to reach the halfway point, clocking the fifth-quickest time in history for a half marathon by a woman.
Chepngetich shrugged off competition from Ethiopian Sutume Kebede as she beat her own personal best by over five minutes.
The race, however, ended with Kebede, who ran 2:17:32 in second, and Kenyan Irine Cheptai finishing third in 2:17:51.
