Faith Nyasuguta
On Sunday, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich made history by breaking the women’s marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing in an astonishing time of 2:09:56. This remarkable achievement not only shattered the previous record by nearly two minutes but also made Chepngetich the first woman to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Chepngetich’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. From the start of the race, she set a blistering pace, quickly distancing herself from the rest of the field. Her determination and stamina were evident as she maintained her speed throughout the 26.2-mile course, which started and ended in Grant Park.
The previous world record of 2:11:53 was set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at the Berlin Marathon in 2023. Chepngetich’s new record is a testament to her incredible athleticism and dedication to the sport.
The 30-year-old Kenyan runner has been a dominant force in women’s marathon running for several years. She has previously won the Chicago Marathon in 2021 and 2022, and she was the runner-up in 2023. Her victory on Sunday was not just about reclaiming her title but also about pushing the boundaries of what is possible in women’s marathon running. Chepngetich’s achievement is being hailed as one of the greatest performances in the history of the sport.
Chepngetich’s journey to this historic moment has been marked by numerous successes. She made her marathon debut in 2017 and quickly established herself as one of the top runners in the world. She has won major marathons in cities such as Nagoya, Istanbul, and Dubai, and she claimed the gold medal at the 2019 World Championships in Doha. Her consistent performances have made her a favorite in every race she enters.
In addition to her marathon victories, Chepngetich has also excelled in half marathons. She recently won the Buenos Aires Half Marathon with a time of 1:05:58, further showcasing her versatility and endurance. Her ability to perform at the highest level in both marathon and half marathon distances sets her apart from her competitors.
Chepngetich’s record-breaking run in Chicago has garnered widespread acclaim from the running community and beyond. Fellow marathoners and commentators have praised her for her incredible achievement, with some likening it to the historic moment when Eliud Kipchoge broke the 2-hour barrier in the men’s marathon. Chepngetich dedicated her race to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who set the men’s marathon world record in 2023.
In her post-race interview, Chepngetich expressed her gratitude and pride in her accomplishment. “I feel so great. I’m proud of myself and I thank God for the victory and the world record,” she said. “This is my dream that has come true. I fight a lot thinking about the world record and I have fulfilled it and I’m much grateful.”
Chepngetich’s historic run at the Chicago Marathon is a milestone in women’s sports and a source of inspiration for athletes around the world. Her achievement not only sets a new standard in marathon running but also highlights the potential for further breakthroughs in the future. As she continues her career, Chepngetich will undoubtedly remain a key figure in the world of long-distance running.
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