In a monumental achievement in athletics, Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich has made history as the first woman ever to run a marathon in under 2:10, clocking an astonishing 2:09:57 to win the women’s category at the Chicago Marathon.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Chepngetich’s performance not only secured her victory but also shattered the previous world record of 2:11:53, held by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, by an incredible 1 minute and 56 seconds. Her splits throughout the race were remarkable, showcasing her endurance and speed:
- 5K: 15:00
- 10K: 15:14
- 15K: 15:18
- 20K: 15:19
- 25K: 15:26
- 30K: 15:32
- 35K: 15:43
- 40K: 15:39
She closed hard to finish strong under the historic mark of 2:10.
Overall Performance
Chepngetich’s achievement is further underscored by her finishing 10th overall in the combined men’s and women’s categories, highlighting the groundbreaking nature of her accomplishment.
A Champion’s Legacy
The 2019 world champion in the marathon, Chepngetich is also a three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon, having previously claimed victory in 2021 and 2022. Additionally, she holds the third-fastest half-marathon mark of all time at 1 hour, 4 minutes, and 2 seconds.
Ruth Chepngetich’s record-breaking run not only cements her legacy in the sport but also inspires future generations of female athletes striving for greatness.