athletics
Kenyan Chepngetich is entering a new marathon dimension
Winner Ruth Chepngetich. photo
© Tess Crowley/Chicago Tribune/AP/dpa
A year later, the Berlin Fable world record is history again. Ruth Chepngetich from Kenya runs faster in the Chicago Marathon. She dedicates her success to the male record holder who died.
After her fabulous world record, marathon runner Ruth Chepngetich commemorated her compatriot, who died this year, wrapped in a Kenyan flag. “I dedicate this world record to Kelvin Kiptum,” said the 30-year-old about the man who set the men’s marathon world record a year ago. Also in Chicago, Chepngetich entered a new dimension among women.
With her victory in 2:09:56 hours – the time was subsequently corrected by one second – she sensationally improved the impressive best time set by the Ethiopian Tigist Assefa in Berlin a little over a year ago by around two minutes. Assefa crossed the finish line at the Brandenburg Gate in September 2023 in a breathtaking 2:11:53 hours. A time that should have lasted for eternity in the much sought-after sport. After a year, this brand is history again.
“The world record was on my mind. I did it. I thank God,” said Chepngetich. “The weather was perfect. I was very well prepared.” Both world records were now run by Kenyans, the new world record holder said proudly. Kiptum died in a car accident in February. He was only 24 years old.
Third win for Chepngetich in Chicago
Like Kenyan Brigid Kosgei in her world record in 2019, Chepngetich also used the fast track in Chicago. The 30-year-old had already won the prestigious marathon in 2021 and 2022. Two years ago she missed the then world record of 2:14:18 by just 14 hundredths of a second. This time the athlete achieved her celebrated coup, supported by modern shoe technology and pacemakers. “I feel great. I’m proud of myself,” said Chepngetich.
The time of under 2:10 hours for the Doha 2019 world champion was unimaginable for a long time. Chepngetich tackled the lucrative race in Chicago extremely quickly, initially even setting a course for an incredible 2:06 hours. But Chepngetich also wrote a new chapter in marathon history. “That was my dream and it came true,” she said. Sutume Kebede from Ethiopia and Irene Cheptai from Kenya only crossed the finish line around eight minutes after Chepngetich.
One year after Kiptum world record
In the men’s race, Kenyan John Korir won the top-class race. A year after Kiptum’s world record, Korir crossed the finish line in 2:02:43 minutes. Kiptum’s world record is 2:00:35 hours.
The 27-year-old Korir increased the pace impressively in the second half of the race and left his competitors behind by starting at the right time. Second went to Huseydin Mohamed Esa from Ethiopia, who was almost two minutes slower. The World Cup bronze medalist from Doha, Amos Kipruto from Kenya, finished the competition in third place.
