Kenyan marathoner Ruth Chepng’etich has made history with her world record-breaking marathon time of 2:09:56, officially ratified after her victorious run at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. In an incredible performance, Chepng’etich became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier for the marathon, shattering the previous record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa.
Chepng’etich, who claimed the 2019 World Marathon Championship title, set a blistering pace from the start in Chicago. She passed the 5km marker in 15 minutes and reached the halfway point in 64:16—a time fast enough to place her fifth on the all-time half marathon list. With pacing support from male athletes, she maintained her speed, passing 40km in 2:03:11 before crossing the finish line in 2:09:56, almost two minutes ahead of her competitors. Her win margin was a staggering 7 minutes and 36 seconds, with Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede taking second place in 2:17:32.
This milestone marks Chepng’etich’s third Chicago Marathon victory, adding to her wins in 2021 and 2022. Despite media speculation, Athletics Kenya has firmly defended Chepng’etich, urging global respect for her achievement. The organization emphasized that Chepng’etich, like all elite athletes, underwent rigorous anti-doping testing both before and after the race, underscoring her commitment to fair competition.
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Although Kenya has been grappling with a doping crisis, with over 300 athletes banned in recent years, Chepng’etich has maintained an impeccable clean record. Her world record is seen as a result of years of dedication and perseverance, not an outlier in the sport. Born in the high-altitude town of Kericho in Kenya’s Rift Valley, Chepng’etich’s success continues to inspire as she reaffirms her place among the world’s greatest marathoners.
Athletics Kenya concluded their statement with a call for the global community to honor Chepng’etich’s achievements. “This record is not only a testament to Ruth’s talent, but also to the relentless hard work she has put into her career. It’s time for her to receive the recognition she deserves.”
