Ruth Chepngetich: The New Queen of the Marathon
A historic record
October 13, 2024 will remain a memorable date in athletics history, marked by the monumental feat of Ruth Chepngetich. At the age of 30, the Kenyan broke the marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon, becoming the first woman to go under 2 hours and 10 minutes, with a time of 2:09:57. This feat shook the athletics world, especially since her previous personal best was 2:14:18. Chepngetich dedicated this achievement to Kelvin Kiptum, her compatriot and former men’s record holder, who passed away in February 2024.
Chicago, his favorite playground
Chicago seems to be Ruth Chepngetich’s favorite city. She won the marathon there in 2021, 2022, and now in 2024 with her world record. The 30-year-old even considers the city a “second home,” due to her many successes on the course.
An impressive track record
Before this new feat, Ruth Chepngetich was no stranger to the world of athletics. She has several prestigious victories, including the title of world marathon champion in Doha in 2019, as well as victories at the Dubai (2019) and Nagoya (2022, 2023) marathons. She also finished 3rd at the London Marathon in 2020, proving remarkable consistency over the 42.195km.
Performances also in half-marathon
Ruth Chepngetich also shines in the half marathon. She has won the Istanbul Half Marathon three times (2017, 2019, 2021), and in 2021 she set a world record in this discipline with a time of 1:04:02. This record has since been broken, but that does not detract from her versatility and talents over different distances.
An exceptional journey
Originally from Kericho in the Rift Valley, Ruth Chepngetich has not had an easy career. A mother at 17, she started marathoning in 2016, aged 22. Despite her late start, she quickly rose through the ranks, winning a team silver medal at the 2018 World Half Marathon Championships, before winning the following year in Doha. In just two years, Chepngetich has proven she can compete with the best.
Conclusion
Ruth Chepngetich has become a key figure in the world marathon in just a few years. Her historic feat in Chicago is just the culmination of a journey of perseverance and talent. With an already rich track record, she seems ready to write many more pages in the history of women’s athletics.
