Mary Ngugi looking to inspire next generation in Chicago marathon debut
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 11.10.25. | 14:45
Her aim is bigger than smashing her marathon personal best set in London three years ago
When two-time World Half Marathon Championships medalist Mary Ngugi lines up for the 2025 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, 12 October, she will not just be out to chase personal records.
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The 36-year-old Kenyan is among the top 10 fastest women in the marathon elite field, which will be marking its 47th edition, and certain to produce a new winner with record-holder Ruth Chepngetich suspended.
On a personal level, Ngugi lining up for her first time in Chicago should provide her a chance to put last year’s disappointment behind her, when she cancelled plans to run in the US city due to injury.
In the same breath, the race should present her a fresh opportunity to better her personal best of 2:20:22 set in London three years ago.
All that, however, will take a back-seat on Sunday, as she seeks to keep inspiring girls at her foundation - Nala Track Club.
“They are always watching me,” Ngugi told World.org of her mentees at the Nyahururu-based girls-only running camp that started in 2022. “I am not just racing for myself, I am racing for them as well.”
Motivated by the tragic death of her former teammate Agnes Tirop in 2021, Ngugi founded the club to shield young female athletes from external hardships, and also provide them a journey towards forging a successful career in athletics.
Proving a safe environment where our elite team of young girls can flourish on and off the track pic.twitter.com/ffY5zEWaOW
— Nala Track Club (@nalatrackclub) January 21, 2023
This year saw some of her athletes enjoy success, with the trio of Caren Chepchirchir, Nancy Jepngetich and Sheila Chepng’eno winning medals at the 2025 CAA U18/U20 African Championships in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
In a past interview, Ngugi spoke of how the sports project was impacting her dual role as athlete and coach, saying: “Whenever I have free time, I spend the time with the girls, so that helps me stay disciplined and also distracts me from thinking about the races [I’m preparing for].”
With the race around the corner, a look at Nala Track Club’s social media handles paints the picture of what Ngugi is aiming for.
A post last week read: “One more week to go until we see our coach and mentor hit the streets of Chicago.”
Call it more than a race for Ngugi.
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