World Record for Ruth Chepngetich in Chicago

Ruth Chepngetich has finally made her World Record dream come true, in a spectacular show of Marathon racing, clocking 2:09:57 at the Chicago Marathon to become the first woman in history to go under 2:10.

The former World champion set a new mark that is almost two minutes faster than the previous record of 2:11:53 set by Tigst Assefa.

She also lowered Sifan Hassan's course record of 2:13:44 set in Chicago last year .

Speaking after the race, Chepngetich, who has now clinched three titles at the same event dedicated the win to the late Kelvin Kiptum who holds the men's marathon record.

“I am dedicating this world record to Kevin Kiptum. I am sure if he was here today, he would have defended his title and maybe gone for a world record again. I am also happy that this world record has come to Kenya,” Chepngetich said after the race.

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Reflecting on her treble win in Chicago, she said, "Chicago is like home because this is the fourth year I am coming here, the fans are more motivating and it made me push hard."

She further said her success was because of the good preparations before the event.

"This year the weather was perfect and I was very prepared. Whatever was in mind has been fulfilled," she concluded

Ethiopia's Sutume Kebede finished second timing 2:17:32 while another Kenyan Irine Cheptai completed the podium stopping the clock at 2:17:52.

Kenyans Joyciline Jepkosgei and Stacy Ndiwa finished fifth and tenth in a time of 2:20:51 and 2:23:42 respectively.

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In the men's category,John Korir, the brother to former Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir won the men's race in 2:02:43 to set a personal best (PB) time, and the second fastest time in race history.

Korir smashed his last year's fourth place finish at the same time bettering his 2022 third place podium finish.

Ethiopia's Huseydin Mohammed Esa crossed the finish line second in a time of 2:04:39 while 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto finished third after stopping the clock at 2:04:50.

Korir made a strong surge after the 30km mark, effectively breaking up the nine-man lead pack to take control of the race.

As they neared the 35km mark, Korir had established a 75-meter lead over the chasers.

With six minutes remaining in the race, Korir separated from the chase group as he powered down the last bend to cross the finish line with a personal best time.

Speaking after the race, Korir attributed his success to his older brother, who he says has been a source of motivation.

"It feels great to win. I want to thank my big brother Wesley for his help. It was tough. I came here to win and compete. My brother Wesley told me to be patient, believe in myself, and run my race. I am really delighted,” Korir said.

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When asked whether the late Kiptum, last year’s race winner, inspired him, Korir said, “Yes, I came here thinking about him and said, 'If Kiptum ran 2:01 last year, why not me?' So I came here inspired and did my best."