Kenyan Runner Kelvin Kiptum Sets New Men’s Marathon World Record in Chicago
Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum made history in Chicago on Sunday, obliterating the men’s marathon world record with a remarkable time of 2 hours and 35 seconds. Kiptum’s incredible feat surpassed the previous record held by compatriot Eliud Kipchoge by more than 30 seconds.
Kiptum had previously made headlines by smashing the London Marathon course record earlier in the year, and he was clearly determined to repeat his magical performance in the Windy City. With a burst of speed, he surged through the 35-kilometer mark and jubilantly raised his arms in celebration as he crossed the finish line, receiving thunderous cheers from the crowd.
Surprisingly, Kiptum had not initially set out to break the world record, but as he approached the final kilometers, he sensed that the two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge’s previous mark of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds was within his grasp. With determination and grit, he etched his name into the annals of history.
“I feel so happy. I wasn’t prepared,” Kiptum exclaimed at the finish line. “A world record was not in my mind today.”
Kiptum clinched victory with a stunning lead of 3 minutes and 27 seconds over fellow Kenyan Benson Kipruto, while Belgian runner Bashir Abdi secured the third spot with a time of 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Kiptum, along with fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, broke away from the pack early in the race, establishing a commanding lead of over 1½ minutes by the halfway point.
In only his third marathon, Kiptum made the final stretch a one-man show, utilizing Chicago’s famously flat course to his advantage as he shifted into a higher gear.
“I saw the time in front of me. I said let me try; maybe I can run under 2:00,” he shared. “I knew one day I would be a world-record holder.”
Kiptum crossed the finish line seemingly with energy to spare, celebrating his extraordinary achievement with an embrace from race director Carey Pinkowski.
The women’s race also featured an outstanding performance by Dutch middle-distance runner Sifan Hassan, who thwarted Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich’s quest for a third consecutive Chicago title with an impressive time of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds—the second-fastest women’s marathon time ever recorded.
Hassan, who had previously secured medals at the World Athletics Championships in August, displayed remarkable endurance and determination as she finished the race an impressive 1 minute and 53 seconds ahead of Chepngetich. Ethiopian runner Alemu Megertu secured the third position with a time of 2 hours and 17 minutes.
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