Kenyan athlete Ruth Chepngetich made history at the 2024 Chicago Marathon by smashing the women’s world record by nearly two minutes, crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds. This remarkable achievement marked the first time a woman had completed a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, shattering the previous record set by Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia in the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
Chepngetich’s dominance in the Chicago Marathon was not new, as she had previously claimed victory in the race in both 2021 and 2022, further solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of long-distance running. The 30-year-old runner’s performance in the 2024 marathon was nothing short of extraordinary, with her average pace clocking in at 4 minutes and 57.4 seconds per mile, setting a new standard for excellence in the sport.
Speaking after her historic win, Chepngetich expressed her gratitude and pride, attributing her success to hard work, determination, and faith. She reflected on the significance of achieving her dream of breaking the world record, emphasizing the mental and physical challenges she had overcome to reach this milestone. The victory not only brought her personal satisfaction but also a substantial cash prize of $100,000, along with an additional $50,000 for breaking the course record.
The Kenyan runner’s triumph was not the only highlight of the event, as compatriot John Korir clinched victory in the men’s race with an impressive time of 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 44 seconds. Korir’s win, alongside Chepngetich’s record-breaking performance, reaffirmed Kenya’s prowess in the world of marathon running and paid tribute to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who tragically lost his life in a car accident earlier that year.
Kiptum, who had set the men’s world record at the 2023 Chicago Marathon, was honored by organizers and participants alike, with a moment of silence observed before the race in remembrance of his legacy. The spirit of unity and solidarity among the nearly 50,000 runners was palpable, as they paid tribute to Kiptum by wearing memorial stickers on their bibs, symbolizing a collective commitment to honoring his memory.
As the marathon concluded, Chepngetich dedicated her record-breaking achievement to Kiptum, underscoring the deep bond and shared sense of purpose that unites the running community. The resilience, determination, and spirit of camaraderie displayed at the Chicago Marathon served as a poignant reminder of the enduring legacy of athletes like Chepngetich and Kiptum, whose passion for the sport continues to inspire future generations of runners worldwide.
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