Gracious and brilliant- Chepngetich makes history in Chicago

Gracious and brilliant- Chepngetich makes history in Chicago

There’s a line from the movie Rocky that encapsulates the spirit of a fighter: “It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” On a crisp Chicago morning, Ruth Chepngetich embodied this tenacity, not just as a fighter but as a woman who transcended the limits of human endurance. In doing so, she didn’t just break the tape at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon—she shattered the very concept of what was thought possible for female distance runners.

Chepngetich’s record-breaking performance wasn’t just historic, it was awe-inspiring. Running 26.2 miles in a mind-boggling time of 2:09:56, the 30-year-old Kenyan became the first woman in history to break the 2:10 barrier in the marathon. She obliterated the previous world record of 2:11:53, set just a year earlier by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at the Berlin Marathon, by nearly two minutes.

This wasn’t just another victory for Chepngetich, who is no stranger to glory on the streets of Chicago. She had won the race twice before, in 2021 and 2022, with both performances showcasing her grit and sheer willpower. But this year was different. This year, she didn’t just win—she made history.

The Anatomy of Greatness

What makes Ruth Chepngetich so special? Perhaps it’s her fearless approach to racing or her unwavering determination, but one thing is certain, her ability to push boundaries sets her apart. Chepngetich’s marathon dominance is built on simple yet extraordinary qualities: resilience, courage, and a heart full of ambition.

From the very start of the race, it was clear that Chepngetich had a singular focus to not just win but to rewrite the record books. After hitting the halfway mark at a blistering pace of 64:16, a time that would have been a half-marathon world record just a couple of years ago, she surged forward. Her pace was electrifying, her movements precise, and her determination palpable. By the time she…