Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich defied expectations and carved her name into marathon history on Sunday.
Competing in the Chicago Marathon, Chepngetich became the first woman ever to complete a marathon in under two hours and ten minutes, clocking a phenomenal time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds.
The previous world record was held by Ethiopian runner Tigist Asefa by nearly two minutes. Asefa set the record last year in Berlin with a time of 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds.
Chepngetich’s triumph holds even greater significance for Kenyans as it comes just a year after the tragic passing of fellow Kenyan marathoner Kelvin Kiptum.
Kiptum, who himself held the world record for the Chicago Marathon before his untimely death at the age of 24, was honored with a minute of silence before the race began.
Following her historic win, Chepngetich expressed her emotions, dedicating the record to Kiptum’s memory.
“I am dedicating this world record to Kevin Kiptum,” she stated. “I am sure if he was here today, he could have defended his title and maybe gone for a world record again. I am also happy that this world record has come to Kenya.”
Chepngetich’s victory marks a dominant year for Kenyan distance running. With her record-breaking performance, Kenya now holds both the men’s and women’s world marathon records, both achieved in Chicago.
