Ruth Chepng’etich set a new world record in the women’s marathon after running a brilliant race in Chicago on Sunday.

Chepng’etich became the first woman ever to run a race below 2 hours and 10 minutes, clocking a time of 2:09:57 to become the fastest woman in history.

Chepng’etich, who is the 2019 World Champion, was quickly off the blocks as she dictated the pace from the word go.

She clocked 15 minutes at 5K, which put her projected finish at an insane 2:06. At 15K, she split 45:22, which lowered her projected finish to 2:08:04.

Sutume Kebede remained her closest challenger, with the Ethiopian clocking 45:39 at the same mark. Chepng’etich extended her dominance by smashing the world record at 20K previously held by Jocylline Jepkosgei, who was also in the race.

She widened the gap at the 25K mark, leaving Kebede behind by 50 seconds. She slowed a little bit at the 30K mark but remained well within the pace of a sub-2:10 race.

In the men’s race, John Korir pulled off from the rest of the field at the 35K mark. Korir was third in 2022 and fourth last year but there was no denying him this time crossing the line at 2:02:43 seconds.

More to follow.

Source: TUKO.co.ke