The 2024 Chicago Marathon witnessed a historic moment as Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich shattered the women’s world marathon record with a stunning performance. Chepngetich, who has been one of the most dominant marathoners in recent years, completed the 26.2-mile course in a breathtaking time of 2:11:52, eclipsing the previous world record by more than a minute.
Her remarkable display of endurance and speed not only solidified her status as one of the greatest marathoners of all time but also added a new chapter to the annals of long-distance running history.
Chepngetich’s performance in Chicago was nothing short of extraordinary from the start. The 29-year-old marathoner set a blistering pace early in the race, quickly separating herself from the rest of the elite women’s field.
By the halfway mark, it was evident that Chepngetich was on track for something special. As she cruised through the final miles with remarkable composure, the excitement among spectators grew, with everyone witnessing the making of history.
The previous women’s marathon world record, held by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa at 2:11:53, was established just a year earlier in Berlin. Chepngetich’s achievement not only eclipsed that time but also demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion in major marathons.
Her 2024 victory in Chicago marks her second world record after previously holding the half-marathon world record. However, this latest triumph is by far the most significant achievement of her career.
“I am so happy to break the world record today. It has been my dream for a long time, and today I made it happen. I thank my coaches and my team for helping me achieve this,” Chepngetich said in a post-race interview, her face beaming with joy.
This victory and world record cap off an incredible year for the Kenyan runner, who has consistently been one of the top performers in the sport. Known for her aggressive running style and ability to maintain a high pace over long distances, Chepngetich has dominated the marathon circuit since her breakthrough in 2017. In addition to her world record, she has several major marathon titles under her belt, including previous victories in Chicago, Dubai, and Istanbul.
The conditions in Chicago were nearly perfect for marathon running, with cool temperatures and minimal wind, helping to create an ideal environment for record-breaking performances. Chepngetich capitalized on these conditions, running consistently at an elite pace from the start and maintaining a strong lead throughout the race. Her ability to sustain such a high level of performance for the entire marathon is a testament to her exceptional fitness and mental strength.
As the marathon world continues to evolve, Chepngetich’s record-setting run has raised the bar for future competitors. Her performance at the 2024 Chicago Marathon will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of marathon runners to push the boundaries of what is possible in the sport.
With this victory, Ruth Chepngetich has not only etched her name into the record books but has also solidified her place as one of the greatest marathon runners in history. Fans and experts alike will be eagerly watching her future races, wondering what new heights she can achieve after this awe-inspiring performance.
