Ruth Chepng’etich Prepares for Toughest Challenge Yet at the 2024 Chicago MarathonRuth Chepng’etich will step onto the streets of Chicago with an ambitious goal: to win the Chicago Marathon for the third time and possibly break records in the process. The Kenyan distance-running sensation, who has already claimed victory in 2021 and 2022, aims to secure her place in history with another stellar performance on Sunday.
Chepng’etich’s impressive track record solidifies her position as one of the most dominant forces in women’s marathon running. Currently, she ranks as the fourth-fastest woman in marathon history. Her personal best of 2:14:18, which she set at the 2022 Chicago Marathon, not only placed her among the sport’s elite but also stands as one of the fastest times ever recorded for a woman over the 26.2-mile distance. As she gears up for this year’s race, she aims to improve on that time and push the limits even further.
Her return to Chicago is fueled by unfinished business. Despite her runner-up finish last year behind Sifan Hassan, Chepng’etich’s 2:14:18 performance reaffirmed her mastery of the Chicago course. This year, she is determined to recapture the title, improve her personal best, and perhaps even set a new course record. Reflecting on the upcoming challenge, she expressed optimism: “I am hoping to win for the third time, as I was the runner-up last time, and I’m optimistic for the best outcome.”
The weather, always a critical factor in marathon racing, is on her mind as well. Chepng’etich hopes for favorable race conditions to give her the edge she needs to achieve her ambitious targets. “I will be aiming for a course record and to improve my personal best, and I’m hoping for better race conditions in terms of the weather,” she shared. With the unpredictable Chicago climate, conditions on race day could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
However, Chepng’etich’s quest for victory will be anything but easy. She will be up against a highly competitive field that includes both familiar rivals and new challengers. Among them is Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2021 London Marathon champion, who is coming off an impressive performance in London earlier this year. Jepkosgei’s personal best of 2:16:24, achieved in 2024, makes her a formidable competitor. Though she finished fourth in Chicago last year, her current form suggests she could pose a serious threat to Chepng’etich’s aspirations.
Adding to the intensity is the presence of Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede, who has also run a sub-2:17 marathon. Kebede’s consistent performances on the marathon circuit mark her as a key contender in Sunday’s race. Chepng’etich will also have to contend with a strong Ethiopian contingent, including runners like Degitu Azimeraw, Ashete Bekere, and Hiwot Gebrekidan, all of whom have the potential to upset the favorites.
Another athlete to watch is Kenya’s rising star Irine Cheptai. The young runner has been on an upward trajectory, with a personal best of 2:18:22 set at the Hamburg Marathon earlier this year. Cheptai’s rapid progress signals that she is ready to challenge the elite runners on the Chicago course.
The women’s field also features prominent U.S. athletes, making the race even more exciting. Keira D’Amato, who holds a personal best of 2:19:12, and Betsy Saina, another sub-2:20 marathoner, bring depth and unpredictability to the competition. American favorites such as Sara Hall and Emma Bates will also be looking to make their mark, adding to the high stakes of the race.
Beyond personal ambition, Chepng’etich is motivated by the energy and support she receives from the crowd. “The Chicago Marathon has amazing supporters along the course, cheering for us. When they shout ‘Go! Go!’ it gives me energy to push harder,” she said, emphasizing the important role the spectators play in her performance. The electric atmosphere along Chicago’s streets will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration as she tackles the challenging course.
Chepng’etich’s preparation for the Chicago Marathon reflects her resilience and versatility as an athlete. Though she had a disappointing finish at the London Marathon in April, where she placed ninth with a time of 2:24:36, she bounced back in spectacular fashion. In August, she clinched victory at the Buenos Aires Half Marathon, clocking an impressive 1:05:58. That win was a timely boost, reaffirming her status as one of the world’s top long-distance runners and setting the stage for her return to Chicago.
The Chicago Marathon has long been known for its fast course and world-class competition, and this year’s edition promises to be no exception. With so many top athletes converging on the city, the race is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. For Chepng’etich, the challenge will not only come from the clock but also from the deep and talented field of runners vying for the title.
Chepng’etich’s pursuit of a third Chicago Marathon title is about more than just adding another victory to her resume. It is an opportunity for her to cement her legacy as one of the greatest marathoners of her generation. Winning three times in Chicago would place her among the elite ranks of marathon history, a feat only a few athletes have achieved.
The competition she faces on Sunday makes the stakes even higher. With athletes like Jepkosgei, Kebede, and Cheptai in peak form, the margin for error will be razor-thin. Every decision made during the race—when to surge, how to pace the opening miles, and how to respond to the moves of her rivals—will be crucial in determining the outcome.
As the clock counts down to race day, all eyes are on Chepng’etich. Her ability to rise to the occasion has been proven time and again, and she enters the race with the confidence of a champion. Whether she breaks the course record or not, one thing is certain: she will leave everything on the course in her quest for victory.
With the Chicago Marathon’s reputation for thrilling finishes and record-breaking performances, Sunday’s race promises to be a spectacle for fans of long-distance running. Chepng’etich’s story of resilience, ambition, and competitive spirit embodies the essence of marathon racing. Whatever the outcome, her performance will undoubtedly add another exciting chapter to the rich history of the Chicago Marathon.
As the final preparations unfold, the anticipation continues to build. The streets of Chicago are ready to welcome the athletes, and the stage is set for a race that could go down in history. Chepng’etich, with her eyes firmly on the prize, stands at the center of it all—ready to embrace the challenge and chase greatness once again.
