Ruth Chepngetich Breaks World Record at Chicago Marathon

Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich has set a new world record at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, becoming the first woman to run a sub-2:10 marathon. The historic victory cements her position as one of the greatest figures in world athletics, surpassing Tigist Assefa's previous record by almost two minutes.

An unprecedented feat
October 13, 2024 will remain a memorable date in the history of women’s marathoning. Ruth Chepngetich, one of the world’s best marathoners, shattered the world record by finishing the Chicago Marathon in 2 hours, 9 minutes and 56 seconds. This impressive result shatters the previous record set by Ethiopian Tigist Assefa, set in September 2023 in Berlin with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds. This exceptional performance propels Chepngetich into a new dimension, making history in women’s sport.

The 30-year-old Kenyan is now the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier, a feat previously unthinkable in the women's marathon. At the finish, Chepngetich expressed her great joy: "I am so proud of myself. It was my dream to break the world record, and I achieved it." Her performance in Chicago is not only a personal victory but a historic achievement for the sport.

A special tribute to Kelvin Kiptum
In addition to his individual victory, Chepngetich ran in tribute to his compatriot, the late Kelvin Kiptum, who set the men’s record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon before tragically losing his life in a car accident. John Korir, also of Kenya, won the men’s category of this year’s marathon with a time of 2 hours, 2 minutes and 44 seconds. Together, Chepngetich and Korir dedicated the race to Kiptum, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity and respect that unites Kenyan athletes.

A bright future for Kenyan athletics
Chepngetich’s victory in Chicago is proof that Kenya continues to dominate the international marathon scene. The country is renowned for producing world-class champions, and Chepngetich reinforces that tradition. His achievement follows several other outstanding performances by Kenyan runners, confirming the country’s place at the top of the world athletics rankings.

Chepngetich’s ability to push herself to the limit has made her an icon not only in Africa but around the world. Her career has now been marked by a series of records, and she is determined to stay at the top. This victory opens a new era for women’s marathon, where records will continue to be broken thanks to exceptional athletes like her.