In a breathtaking display of athleticism, Kenyan sensation Kelvin Kiptum has etched his name into the annals of marathon history by obliterating the men’s world record in the Chicago Marathon. This 23-year-old dynamo left spectators in awe as he crossed the finish line in an astonishing two hours and 35 seconds, surpassing his compatriot Eliud Kipchoge’s previous mark by a staggering 30 seconds.
Kiptum’s post-race elation was palpable as he exclaimed, “I feel so happy. A world record was not in my mind today.” This unexpected triumph saw him eclipse Kipchoge’s remarkable time of 2:01.09, a record set just a year prior in Berlin.
But the magic didn’t stop there. Dutch runner Sifan Hassan stole the spotlight in the women’s marathon event, setting the second-fastest time in the history of the discipline. Her clock-stopping performance of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds is second only to Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa’s record-breaking run in Berlin, which clocked in at an astonishing 2 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds just last month.
As Kelvin Kiptum broke the tape, he did so with a commanding lead of three minutes and 27 seconds over his compatriot, Benson Kipruto, who finished in second place. Belgian athlete Bashir Abdi rounded out the podium in third place. Kiptum’s dominance in Chicago marked his third consecutive victory over the grueling 26.2-mile distance. His marathon journey began with a stunning debut in Valencia last December, followed by a victorious romp in the London Marathon, where he set a course record in April.
The emotional climax of the race came as Kiptum, his body pushed to its limits, sank to his knees in sheer exhaustion. But he quickly rebounded to wave and blow kisses to the ecstatic spectators before raising his arms in triumphant jubilation.
What makes Kiptum’s achievement even more remarkable is that it carved more than three minutes off the previous Chicago Marathon record, which had been held by Kenyan Dennis Kimetto since 2013. It also brings the tantalizing possibility of breaking the elusive two-hour marathon barrier ever closer.
“I saw the time in front of me. I felt good inside of me, maybe a little adrenaline. I said, let me try – maybe I can run under 2:00,” Kiptum revealed with a touch of optimism. “I knew one day I would be a world-record holder.”
In the women’s race, Sifan Hassan’s remarkable performance left no room for doubt as she finished a commanding one minute and 53 seconds ahead of Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich, with Ethiopian Alemu Megertu rounding out the top three.
Kelvin Kiptum’s awe-inspiring run in Chicago is a testament to the unrelenting spirit of human achievement in the world of sports, a moment that will be remembered for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about marathon world record
Q: Who is Kelvin Kiptum, and what did he achieve in the Chicago Marathon?
A: Kelvin Kiptum is a Kenyan athlete who shattered the men’s marathon world record in the Chicago Marathon. He finished the race in just two hours and 35 seconds, beating Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record by over 30 seconds.
Q: What was Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record, and where was it set?
A: Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record was 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds. He set this record in the Berlin Marathon in September 2022.
Q: How did Sifan Hassan perform in the Chicago Marathon?
A: Sifan Hassan, a Dutch runner, set the second-fastest time in the history of the women’s marathon during the Chicago Marathon. She finished with a time of 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds, coming in second only to Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa’s record set in Berlin.
Q: Did Kelvin Kiptum have any prior marathon victories?
A: Yes, before his record-breaking run in Chicago, Kelvin Kiptum had already won two marathons. He made a stunning debut in the Valencia Marathon in December and won the London Marathon in April, setting a course record.
Q: What is the significance of Kelvin Kiptum’s achievement in Chicago?
A: Kelvin Kiptum’s achievement in Chicago is significant because he not only shattered the previous world record but also carved more than three minutes off the previous Chicago Marathon record set by Dennis Kimetto in 2013. It also brings us closer to the possibility of breaking the two-hour marathon barrier.
More about marathon world record
- Kelvin Kiptum Breaks World Marathon Record in Chicago (BBC Sport)
- Eliud Kipchoge’s Previous World Record (Athletics World Records)
- Sifan Hassan’s Impressive Performance (Runner’s World)
- Kelvin Kiptum’s Previous Marathon Victories (Runner’s World)
- Breaking the Two-Hour Marathon Barrier (Runner’s World)
1 comment
Sifan Hassan also rocked it in da women’s race, super speedy!