Ruth Chepng’etich is gearing up for a remarkable performance at the upcoming London Marathon, aiming to redeem herself after finishing ninth in last year’s event. The world marathon record holder is determined to challenge the course record of 2:16:16, set last year, and is confident in her ability to deliver a stellar performance.
Chepng’etich, a three-time Chicago Marathon champion, will face tough competition from a formidable field that includes compatriot Peres Jepchirchir and Olympic champion Sifan Hassan. The event, scheduled for April 27, promises to be a thrilling showdown among some of the fastest women in marathon history.
Chepng’etich has her sights set on surpassing Jepchirchir’s record, expressing optimism about the possibility of breaking new ground. “I want to prepare as best as I can and we will see if we can lower Peres’s world record of 2:16:16 from last year. With the strength of the field, I think we can support each other and maybe the world record will fall,” she remarked.
At 30 years old, Chepng’etich is no stranger to breaking barriers. In October, she shattered the women’s world marathon record by clocking an astonishing 2:09:56 in Chicago. This achievement, which took nearly two minutes off the previous record, underscored her dominance and potential to redefine the limits of women’s marathon running. Reflecting on this milestone, she admitted, “I didn’t know it was possible, but I came to realise that dreams can come true.”
Chepng’etich’s illustrious career is marked by numerous accolades. She holds the sixth-fastest women’s time for the half marathon, clocking 1:04:02 at the Istanbul Half-Marathon. Additionally, she claimed the world marathon title in 2019 at the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, finishing in 2:32:43 under challenging conditions that included a midnight start due to extreme heat and humidity.
Her recent accomplishments have only fueled her ambition. Chepng’etich’s relentless drive and commitment to excellence make her a strong contender to rewrite history once again. As she prepares for the London Marathon, her focus remains on delivering a performance that not only secures victory but also sets new benchmarks in the sport.
The upcoming race is set to be a clash of titans, with Chepng’etich, Jepchirchir, and Hassan all bringing exceptional talent and determination to the event. Chepng’etich’s confidence and readiness signal a fierce competition that could culminate in yet another record-breaking moment. The world will be watching as she takes on this challenge, determined to etch her name even deeper into the annals of athletics history.
