Ruth Chepngetich, a Kenyan runner, made history by setting a new world record in the women’s marathon at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:09:56. This incredible performance saw Chepngetich dominate the competition and cross the finish line to claim her third title in Chicago. The previous world record was held by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa with a time of 2:11:53. Chepngetich’s victory was not only a personal achievement but also a tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, the late record holder of the men’s world record who tragically passed away in a car accident. Chepngetich dedicated her win to Kiptum, expressing her joy in fulfilling her dream of breaking the world record.
On race day, runners paid their respects to Kiptum with a moment of silence at the start line. The organizers also distributed stickers displaying Kiptum’s record-breaking time for participants to wear on their race bibs. Despite the absence of Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, Chepngetich set a blistering pace from the beginning, reaching the halfway point in 1:04:16, marking the fifth-fastest time for a half marathon by a woman. Throughout the race, Chepngetich maintained a strong lead over her competitors, ultimately finishing nearly eight minutes ahead of Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who came in second, and Kenyan Irine Cheptai, who finished third.
Television commentators marveled at Chepngetich’s performance, likening her attempt at finishing a sub-2:10 marathon to the moon landing. She pushed through the final 2 miles with determination and sprinted to the finish line, where she collapsed in exhaustion before expressing her love for Chicago. On the men’s side, John Korir emerged victorious with a time of 2:02:44, leading a group of Kenyan runners to dominate the top spots. Korir credited his victory to the memory of Kiptum, using his inspiration to push himself to achieve a personal best time and claim the win in Chicago.
Chepngetich’s triumph in breaking the world record and Korir’s victory in the men’s race showcased Kenya’s dominance in the world of marathon running. Their performances were not only a testament to their individual talents but also a tribute to the legacy of Kelvin Kiptum, whose influence continued to inspire and motivate runners in the race. The Chicago Marathon served as a platform for athletes to push their limits and achieve greatness, with Chepngetich and Korir emerging as champions who honored the memory of Kiptum through their remarkable achievements on the course. Their dedication, hard work, and determination exemplified the spirit of marathon running and solidified their places in the history of the sport.
