Ruth Chepngetich wins Chicago Marathon at an All-time women's record

Chicago Marathon, 

Sunday, 13 October, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich has earned her name at the history marks as the fastest women’s marathon record holder shattering a stunning 2:09:57 to win the Chicago Marathon on Sunday.

She crushed the world record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopian Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

“This is my dream that has come true,” Chepngetich said on an interview after the marathon in Chicago. “I fight a lot thinking about world record. I am fulfilled.”she added. 

Chepngetich won the marathon by a huge gap trailing Ethiopian Sutume Kebede of Ethiopia by 7:26. 

She entered the race as the fourth-fastest woman in history with a personal best of 2:14:18.

Ruth Chepngetich won the Marathon in 2021 at 2:22:31 and defended it in 2022 at 2:14:18 before being dethroned by Netherland's Sifan Hassan who won it in 2023 Clocking 2:13:44.

Another Kenyan John Korir, 27, won Sunday’s men’s race in 2:02:43 for his first career World Marathon Major title. He is now the sixth-fastest male marathoner in history.

At the 2023 Chicago Marathon, Kelvin Kiptum broke the men’s world record by winning in 2:00:35. Kiptum died in a car crash in his native Kenya on Feb. 11 at age 24. 

The Chicago Marathon, one of the six World Marathon Majors, it has been contested by men and women annually since 1977.

After a seventh consecutive win by a Kenyan man in 2009, Kenyan men have won more times (ten) than men representing any other country.

The United Kingdom is in third place in total victories (eight), victories by men (five) and victories by women (three). 

Focus will now turn in preparations for the New York Marathon set for November 3rd.