Chepngetich shatters women’s marathon world record in Chicago
CHICAGO: Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich delivered a stunning performance at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, smashing the women’s marathon world record with an unofficial time of 2:09:56. Chepngetich’s victory marked her third title in Chicago, as she eclipsed the previous world record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in Berlin last year.
Chepngetich broke away from the competition early, gaining a significant lead by the halfway mark. She maintained her relentless pace to the finish, greeted by cheers from the crowd. Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede finished second, trailing by over seven minutes, while Kenya’s Irine Cheptai secured third place with a time of 2:17:51.
“This is my dream that has come true,” Chepngetich said after the race, dedicating her record-breaking performance to the late Kelvin Kiptum, a Kenyan marathon star who tragically passed away earlier this year.
Chepngetich set an aggressive pace from the start, clocking 15 minutes for the first five kilometers, and never looked back. Television commentators marveled at her determination, comparing her effort to monumental feats in human history. By the end of the race, she had obliterated the world record and cemented her legacy in marathon history.
In the men’s race, Kenya’s John Korir won with a time of 2:02:44, adding another victory for Kenya on a day that began with a moment of silence for Kiptum.
