Ruth Chepngetich Breaks World Marathon Record With Stunning 2:09:56 in Chicago

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich made history at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, smashing the women’s marathon world record with a time of 2:09:56. She became the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier, surpassing the previous record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Chepngetich's remarkable performance secured her third Chicago Marathon victory and further cemented her legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of all time.

From the start, Chepngetich set a blistering pace, passing the 5 km mark in 15:00 and reaching 10 km in 30:14. At the halfway point, she clocked an astounding 1:04:16, which was the fastest half marathon split ever recorded in a women’s marathon. She maintained her lead with the help of pacers until the 38 km mark, eventually pulling away from Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who finished second with a time of 2:17:32.

The favorable weather conditions, with temperatures around 16°C and low wind, contributed to the record-breaking performance. Chepngetich’s relentless pace throughout the race created a gap of more than six minutes between her and the rest of the field by the final stages. Her achievement not only shattered the world record but also placed her 10th overall in the race, with only nine men finishing ahead of her.

Chepngetich dedicated her victory and record to the late Kelvin Kiptum, a fellow Kenyan and marathon world record holder. Reflecting on her accomplishment, she expressed her pride and joy, describing it as a dream come true​.

• Chicago Marathon 2024 Full Results

LEADING RESULTS WOMEN MARATHON