Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich set a new marathon world record on October 13, 2024, in Chicago. She clocked 2:09:57 hours, beating the previous best by about two minutes. The record came during her victory in the Chicago Marathon.
On October 13, 2024, Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich achieved a historic victory in the Chicago Marathon. She completed the 42.195 kilometers in 2:09:57 hours, setting a new world record. This time is about two minutes faster than the previous best by Ethiopian Tigist Assefa, who set 2:11:53 hours in Berlin in 2023.
The Chicago Marathon is one of the world's largest running events, attracting thousands of athletes annually. Chepngetich's performance highlights the dominance of Kenyan women in the discipline. Previous records have also been held by Kenyans and Ethiopians, reflecting the intense competition in East African athletics.
This record represents a milestone in women's marathon history. The two-minute improvement is exceptional and could redefine standards for future competitions. Chepngetich, who had prior successes, solidified her status as one of the world's top marathon runners with this run.