Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya Breaks World Record by Nearly Two Minutes at Chicago Marathon

CHICAGO — Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya smashed the world record by nearly two minutes at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, winning in 2:09:56.

The 30-year-old broke the world record set by Tigist Assefa of Ethiopia in 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia finished second in 2:17:32.

Chepngetich became the first woman to break 2:10 in the marathon. She also won the Chicago Marathon in 2021 and 2022 and finished runner-up last year.

John Korir of Kenya won the men’s race in 2:02:44, besting Huseydin Mohamed Esa of Ethiopia, who finished in 2:04:39. Korir and Chepngetich ran in honor of the late Kelvin Kiptum of Kenya, who broke the world record by 34 seconds, finishing in 2:00:35, at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.

Four months later, police said the 24-year-old Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, died in a car accident after hitting a tree near a training area in Kaptagat, Kenya.

Organizers held a moment of silence for Kiptum before the race and offered the nearly 50,000 runners a memorial sticker to add to their bibs. The 26.2-mile race started and ended in Grant Park.

Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya Breaks World Record by Nearly Two Minutes at Chicago Marathon

Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya Breaks World Record by Nearly Two Minutes at Chicago Marathon

Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya Breaks World Record by Nearly Two Minutes at Chicago Marathon

Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya Breaks World Record by Nearly Two Minutes at Chicago Marathon

Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya Breaks World Record by Nearly Two Minutes at Chicago Marathon