Kenya’s John Korir and Ruth Chepgentich performs exceptionally at Chicago Marathon, both securing a gold medals.
John Korir and showcased an outstanding performance at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, claiming victory with a time of 2:02:42, leaving a significant mark on the race.
Korir’s triumph saw him finish nearly two minutes ahead of Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa, who clocked 2:04:39, and his compatriot Amos Kipruto, who came in third at 2:04:50.
Korir established his dominance early in the race, positioning himself just behind the pace setters, with fellow Kenyans Daniel Ebenyo and Amos Kipruto trailing him comfortably.
By the 15-minute mark, the leading pack had shifted, with Vincent Ngetich joining the fray, while Ebenyo and Korir briefly dropped back, allowing Kipruto to maintain his spot among the leaders.
Approaching the one-hour mark, Ngetich started to move ahead of the group, settling behind the pace setters with Kipruto and Ebenyo not far behind. However, as the pacemakers stepped aside after an hour and a half, Korir surged back into the lead as Ngetich relinquished his position.
With his rhythm under control, the two-time Los Angeles Marathon champion increased the pace, leaving Kipruto and the chasing pack unable to keep up. Korir maintained his lead comfortably, finishing strong and unchallenged.
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After the race, Korir credited his inspiration to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who was honored at this year’s marathon after breaking the men’s marathon world record last year with a time of 2:00:35.
“Yes, I came here thinking about him (Kelvin Kiptum) and said, if last year he ran 2:01, why not me? So I just came here inspired and did my best,” Korir said following the race, speaking to NBC Chicago.
Ruth Chepngetich
Ruth Chepngetich delivered a dominant performance to secure victory and set a new women’s marathon world record at the 2024 Bank of Chicago Marathon, clocking 2:09:56 on Sunday afternoon.
The Kenyan athlete shattered the previous record of 2:11:53 set by Tigist Assefa in Berlin last year, cutting nearly two minutes off the time.
Chepngetich was followed by Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who finished second with a time of 2:17:32, and Kenya’s Irine Cheptai, who took third place with a time of 2:17:52.
Chepngetich took control of the race from the start, with Asefa Kebede and Joyciline Jepkosgei close behind her. As the race progressed, she steadily pulled away with the help of the pacemakers, leaving Kebede and Jepkosgei to lead the chasing group.
By the one-hour mark, Chepngetich was running solo at the front, with the rest of the field nowhere in sight as she powered on to claim an emphatic victory.
“I feel so great. I am very proud of myself, and I’ve done well for the victory and the world record. This is my dream that has come true,” Chepngetich said after the race, as reported by Olympic.com.
In a touching tribute, Chepngetich dedicated her world record to the late Kelvin Kiptum, who had set the men’s marathon world record at the same event last year.
“This world record I’m dedicating to Kelvin Kiptum because maybe he could have defended his title and again achieved a world record. This world record has come back to Kenya. I’m so happy, I don’t know how to explain,” expressed Chepngetich.
