The Kenyan took nearly two minutes off the previous quickest marathon mark after winning in Chicago
Ruth Chepng’etich’s world marathon record of 2:09:56 has been ratified.
The Kenyan became the first woman in history to go sub-2:10 over 26.2 miles in her victory at the Chicago Marathon two months ago.
Not only did Chepng’etich break Tigist Assefa’s previous world record of 2:11:53 but she did so by almost two minutes.
Chepng’etich – the 2019 world marathon champion – made her intentions clear at an early stage in Chicago, going through 5km in exactly 15 minutes.
Continuing her blistering pace, the 30-year-old clocked 64:16 at the half-way mark – a time that would’ve put her fifth on the half-marathon all time list.
Ruth Chepng’etich (Getty)
Aided by male pacemakers, Chepng’etich pushed on and went through 40km in 2:03:11, before crossing the finish line in 2:09:56.
In the end, Chepng’etich’s winning margin was seven minutes and 36 seconds to Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who herself ran 2:17:32.
Chepng’etich is no stranger to Chicago and also secured victories in both 2021 and 2022.
After the race, amidst a myriad of global headlines, Athletics Kenya publicly defended Chepng’etich, stating that “the media and the global community need to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment”.
Ruth Chepng’etich (Getty)
They added: “Many world records were broken this year and to single her out is utterly unfairIt is therefore disheartening to witness some sections of the media casting unwarranted doubt on her achievements.
“Such aspersions, made without due process, undermine not only her efforts but the integrity of the sport. It is important to note that Ruth, like all athletes in major competitions, underwent multiple anti-doping tests, both pre-race and post-race.
“These are standard procedures in events of this magnitude and only after all results are verified will her record be officially ratified. Ruth’s achievement, while impressive, is not without precedent. Marathon records have been broken by even wider margins, affirming that her feat is well within the bounds of possibility for an athlete of her calibre.
“Her consistent performance over the years stands as testament to her dedication and excellence in the sport. We urge the media and the global community to give Ruth the respect she deserves and protect athletes from harassment. Let her celebrate this hard-earned victory and let us acknowledge the years of hard work and discipline that have brought her to this moment.
“Unfounded doubts and unfair treatment have no place in this proud moment for Kenya and for Ruth.”
Ruth Chepngetich wins in Doha (Mark Shearman)
Chepng’etich was born in the town of Kericho in the Rift Valley in Kenya, which has an altitude of just over 6000 feet and is synonymous for long-distance runners.
However, Kenya is in the midst of a doping crisis with athletes from the country being banned by the Athletics Integrity Unit on an almost weekly basis. Since 2015, approximately 300 Kenyans have served or are serving anti-doping suspensions.
Chepng’etich has never tested positive for any performance-enhancing drugs or been found guilty of any doping violation.
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