Ruth Chepngetich almost made history during her incredible run in the Chicago marathon that took place on Sunday, October 09th. Chepngetich defended her 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon title.
The Kenyan Prisons athlete was merely 14 seconds from breaking the world record that is currently held by Brigid Kosgei made three years earlier on the same course. Kosgei’s record is 2:14.04, while Chepngetich crossed the finish line at 2:14.18. Chepngetich is still the second fastest female marathon runner because the old world record holder, Britain’s Paula RadCliffe, ran 2:15.25 in 2003.
Chepngetich started out with an early lead. By the halfway point, she was 3 minutes and 42 seconds ahead of everyone, clocking in at 1:05.44.
Chepngetich was the champion with no one else in sight. Second place, American Emily Sisson, finished in 2:18.29 and third place was Kenyan Vivian Jerono Kiplagat.
"I'm happy because I won the race and defended my title. I'm so happy. I wanted to break the world record, but I missed it by some seconds. I want to get it. I was close. I will come back next year and do wonders."
The 28-year-old doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon and is out to beat the world record next time. According to organisers, she will receive a prize fund of $75,000.
