Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich shattered the women’s world marathon record on Sunday at the Chicago Marathon, clocking an incredible 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds. Chepngetich broke the previous record of 2:11:53, set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa in 2022 in Berlin, by nearly two minutes. The 2019 world marathon champion also became the first woman to win the Chicago Marathon three times, having previously taken the title in 2021 and 2022.
After the race, Chepngetich expressed her joy: “I feel so great, I’m proud of myself. This is my dream that has come true.” She dedicated her record-breaking performance to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who had set the men’s world marathon record last year but tragically passed away in a car accident at 24.
Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede finished second in 2:17:32, followed by Kenya’s Irine Cheptai in third. Chepngetich’s stunning achievement further cements her legacy in marathon history.
