Ruth Chepngetich Breaks Women’s Marathon World Record

By: Gyang Dakwo

Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich shattered the women’s marathon world record in Chicago on Sunday, shaving nearly two minutes off the previous best to win in a time of two hours, nine minutes and 57 seconds.

Chepngetich who got off to a blazing start and left the rest of the competition behind her by the halfway mark went on to claim her third title in Chicago and break Ethiopian Tigst Assefa’s previous record of 2:11:53, set last year in Berlin.

In running sub-2:10, Chepngetich broke a barrier many thought would never be broken. She averaged 4:57.4 per mile.

Chepngetich takes home $100,000 for the win, a $50,000 bonus for setting the course record, and surely a significant contractual bonus from her sponsor, Nike.

She won the Chicago Marathon in 2021 and 2022, and finished second in 2023. Chepngetich ran her previous personal best of 2:14:18 in 2022. Before today, that time ranked her fourth all-time among women’s marathoners.