Ruth Chepngetich Set Women’s Marathon Record in Chicago
Achieving the Unthinkable
When Ruth Chepngetich crossed the finish line at the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, it marked an incredible feat and a first in women’s racing history.
A Triumphant Return
Chepngetich, the 2021 and 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon winner and runner-up in 2023, returned to the course in 2024 to try and reclaim her title. And she did more than that.
A World Record-Breaking Performance
Not only did she set an unofficial world record, she did it in under 2 hours and 10 minutes, a remarkable feat experts called a once-in-a-lifetime finish. The previous world record was 2 hours, 11 minutes and 53 seconds, set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Chepngetich finished with an unofficial time of 2 hours, 9 minutes and 56 seconds.
A Legacy Dedicated
“This woman is on pace to do something that I never really thought I would see in a lifetime,” fellow marathoner and NBC commentator Carrie Tollefson said during the live broadcast as Chepngetch neared the finish line. “It’s almost like seeing someone land on the moon.”
A Monumental Achievement
Experts likened the finish to the world record set in the men’s race in 2023, which saw the late Kelvin Kiptum become the first man to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute.
A Dedicated Performance
Chepngetich said she dedicated her race to Kiptum, who died in a tragic car crash months after his record-breaking race and at the start of what was expected to be a legendary career. “This world record I’m dedicating to Kelvin Kiptum because maybe he could have defended his title again,” she said in her post-victory interview.
Watch Her Full Post-Race Interview Below
Ruth Chepngetich makes history with likely world record in women’s marathon as she cruises to Chicago Marathon title.
Conclusion
Ruth Chepngetich’s record-breaking performance in the Chicago Marathon will be remembered for years to come. Her dedication to her craft and her legacy was a testament to her character and determination.
FAQs
Q: What was Ruth Chepngetich’s official time in the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon?
A: Her official time was 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds.
Q: What was the previous world record in the women’s marathon?
A: The previous world record was 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds, set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
Q: Who did Ruth Chepngetich dedicate her record-breaking performance to?
A: She dedicated her race to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who set the men’s world record in the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
Q: What was the significance of Ruth Chepngetich’s record-breaking performance?
A: Her unofficial world record broke the previous record by 57 seconds, a remarkable achievement that was deemed a once-in-a-lifetime feat by experts.
