AK slams 'unwarranted' criticism of Chepng’etich’s world record
Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya celebrates after finishing first in the women’s race, setting a new world record at 2:09:56 during the Chicago Marathon at Grant Park on October 13, 2024.
In the Chicago Marathon, Chepng’etich, paced by Kenyan long-distance runners Barnabas Kiptum and Evans Mayaka for much of the race, broke the world record set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon (2:11:53).
Chepng’etich, who finished second behind Dutch runner Sifan Hassan at last year’s Chicago Marathon, is now the first woman to complete the 42km distance in under two hours and 10 minutes and the first to win the Chicago Marathon three times. Before this year’s triumph, her personal best over the marathon distance stood at 2:14:18.
Athletics Kenya (AK) has defended newly crowned women’s marathon world record holder, Ruth Chepng’etich, calling the scrutiny of her record-breaking time of two hours, nine minutes, and 56 seconds, set on Sunday, October 13, at the Chicago Marathon, “unwarranted.”
While congratulating the 30-year-old on her remarkable achievement, AK emphasised that her familiarity with the Chicago course played a pivotal role in her third consecutive victory, showcasing her tactical prowess and course mastery.
