Kenya’s Chepngetich Shatters Women’s Marathon World Record in Chicago

The Chicago Marathon today witnessed an extraordinary feat as Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich shattered the women’s marathon world record with an astonishing performance.

Crossing the finish line in an unofficial time of two hours, nine minutes, and 56 seconds, Chepngetich has obliterated the previous record by nearly two minutes. Her remarkable achievement surpasses Ethiopian Tigst Assefa’s time of 2:11:53 set in Berlin the previous year. Chepngetich’s dominance was evident from the outset. By the halfway point, she had already distanced herself from the competition, running to the thunderous applause of spectators lining the final stretch. This victory marks her third title in Chicago and solidifies her status as one of the greatest marathon runners in history.

Following Chepngetich’s historic finish, Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede claimed second place with a time of 2:17:32, while Kenyan Irine Cheptai secured third in 2:17:51. Television commentators, awestruck by her relentless pace, likened her sub-2:10 marathon attempt to the significance of the moon landing. Her performance seemed to gain momentum as she approached the finish, with a remarkable sprint through the final two miles. Upon breaking the tape, an exhausted Chepngetich dedicated her achievement to fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who had set the men’s world record in Chicago a year before but tragically died in a car accident four months later.

In the men’s race, Kenya’s John Korir emerged victorious with a time of 2:02:44, securing his first major title. Korir’s tactical race saw him biding his time within a crowded lead pack for the first 30 kilometres before making his decisive move. By the 35-kilometre mark, he had established a commanding lead of nearly 30 seconds. Korir maintained his advantage through the final kilometres, crossing the finish line with arms outstretched in a personal best time. Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa claimed second place in 2:04:39, followed by Kenya’s Amos Kipruto in third with a time of 2:04:50.

The Chicago Marathon, an annual event since 1977, attracted over 45,000 participants this year ranging from elite athletes to passionate amateurs from around the world. Known for its flat, fast course and typically favourable weather conditions, Chicago has long been a preferred venue for record attempts. This year’s race benefited from near-perfect conditions, with overcast skies and minimal wind contributing to the impressive times.