President William Ruto has led Kenyans in celebrating Team Kenya after Ruth Chepngetich and John Korir conquered the marathon races for both men and women in the Chicago Marathon.
Chepngetich shattered the marathon world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, winning the World Athletics Platinum Label road race in 2:09:56.
Chepngetich broke Tigist Assefa’s world record of 2:11:53, set in Berlin last year, by almost two minutes to win her third Chicago Marathon victory.
Compared to her previous best of 2:14:18 set in 2022, Chepngetich improved by more than four minutes.
On the other hand, John Korir took the men’s title in 2:02:43, the second-fastest time ever recorded in Chicago behind the world record of 2:00:35 set by the late Kelvin Kiptum in 2023.
“Well done Team Kenya, led by Ruth Chepngetich and John Korir, for clinching gold in the Women’s and Men’s races at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. I salute Ms Chepngetich for breaking the World Record and becoming the first woman in history to break the 2:10:00 barrier,” Ruto stated.
“Bravo Irine Cheptai for securing third position adding bronze to our basket of medals. Congratulations Mr Korir for taking the top spot in the men’s race, and Amos Kipruto for bringing home the bronze medal. As a nation, we take great pride in your stellar performances and for flying our flag high on such a prestigious global stage.”
Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also hailed Team Kenya for emerging victorious in the marathon.
“Congratulations, Ruth Chepng’etich for such a phenomenal run to win the Chicago Marathon and break the world record! That was an incredible run leading from gun to tape. Well done to Irine Cheptai for coming 3rd in the same race. Congratulations, too, John Korir, for winning the men’s race with such ease,” Murkomen stated.
“Amos Kipruto, big up for coming in 3rd. Well done to every Kenyan, too, who took part and posted good results today. You did a great job. Thank you very much, Chicago Marathon, for honouring Kelvin Kiptum’s memory with a moment of silence at the start and for the special tribute stickers that the runners wore.”
In his congratulatory message, Deputy President President hailed the duo for making Kenya proud in the races.
“Hearty congratulations to Ruth Chepngetich for setting a new World Marathon Record at today’s Chicago Marathon. We are super proud of you for this amazing achievement. Bravo John Korir for winning the men’s race and all Kenyans who performed well at the event,” Gachagua stated
