Ruth Chepngetich
Kenya

Ruth Chepngetich is a Kenyan long-distance runner specializing in the marathon. She gained international recognition by winning the 2019 World Athletics Championships marathon in Doha. Known for her endurance and speed, she has set multiple course records and is a prominent figure in major marathons worldwide.
World Championship Medals
Personal Bests
Marathon
2:09:56
10/13/2024
10 Kilometres Road
30:29
5/22/2022
10,000 Metres
31:47.9h
4/26/2022
5000 Metres
15:26.70
4/9/2022
Half Marathon
N Kolay Istanbul Half Marathon
1:04:02
4/4/2021
Major Championships
IAAF World Championships in Athletics - Marathon
2:32:43
Recent Mentions

“It’s still scary. It doesn’t matter how many marathons you run, you’re going to be scared. The brain is scared of struggling for two hours, struggling for three hours. You’re going to suffer. You have to focus on one thing for two hours.”
Few athletes embody the spirit of curiosity and courage quite like Sifan Hassan. From her historic triple attempt at the Tokyo Olympics to her remarkable gold medal in the marathon and double bronze on the track in Paris, Hassan has redefined what’s possible in distance running. Today, she joins The CITIUS MAG Podcast to reflect on the extraordinary highs and grueling challenges of her career, including the mental toll of her Olympic triples and her triumphant return to the marathon at London in 2023. Hassan also shares her ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond, from chasing Ruth Chepngetich’s stunning 2:09:56 marathon world record to potentially attempting an unprecedented four major marathons in one year. What drives someone who has already achieved so much? Hassan’s answer is as compelling as her racing: it’s not about being the GOAT — it’s about pushing the limits of what she can do. Get ready for an inspiring conversation with one of the most curious, fearless, and boundary-pushing athletes of our time.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Sifan Hassan | @sifanhassan on Instagram
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Our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael select the best runners, athletes, performances, the biggest controversies and defining moments this year on the roads, track and trails, with our first annual Marathon Handbook Awards!
But to start things off, Michael shares what the trail running scene is like in Hong Kong, as well as the experience of running UTMB TransLantau, one of the premiere ultramarathon events in South East Asia.
Then, they kick off year-in-review season by culling over all the biggest performances, emerging athletes, and the most compelling storylines in running in 2024.
00:00:00 - Intro Chat
00:03:35 - Trail Running in Hong Kong + UTMB TransLantau
00:25:35 - The Biggest Controversy of 2024 Award
00:38:12 - The Defining Moment of 2024 Award
00:52:26 - The Running Event of the Year Award
01:01:22 - Inspirational Runner of the Year Award
01:09:00 - Male Runner of the Year Award
01:18:00 - Female Runner of the Year Award
01:27:04 - Ultra-Trail Runner of the Year Award
01:36:40 - A Special Announcement!
Let us know your picks in the comments!
Hosts: Alex Cyr, Michael Doyle and Katelyn Tocci
Also check out the video version of our pods on YouTube! Find us at: https://www.youtube.com/@marathonhandbook
Further Reading:
Opinion: Why It’s Hard To Trust Ruth Chepngetich’s Marathon World Record:
https://marathonhandbook.com/opinion-why-its-hard-to-trust-ruth-chepngetichs-marathon-world-record/
The Awesomesauce Controversy Explained:
https://youtu.be/bxun7YO-_r4?feature=shared
The Josh Kerr vs. Jakob Ingebrigtsen Rivalry Is Exactly What Track and Field Needs:
https://youtu.be/dbxF4Qo9mqA?feature=shared
Parkrun Records Are Gone To “Promote Inclusivity” And Runners Aren’t Happy About It:
https://marathonhandbook.com/parkrun-records/
Why Lululemon Dropped Ultrarunner Camille Herron | Wikipedia Controversy Explained:
https://youtu.be/919mUxIRZMc?feature=shared
Who Is Jasmin Paris? Meet The First Woman To Finish The Barkley Marathons:
https://marathonhandbook.com/who-is-jasmin-paris/
WATCH: Jasmin Paris Becomes First Woman To Complete The Barkley Marathons:
https://marathonhandbook.com/jasmin-paris-finishes-barkley-marathons/
Is Sifan Hassan Nike's Perfect Replacement for Eliud Kipchoge ?
https://youtu.be/gyHXQmLW2EY
Live from New York! Our NYC Marathon Instant Reaction Pod:
https://youtu.be/hFVnlEIsWXQ
Kelvin Kiptum’s Marathon World Record: Pace and Splits Analysis:
https://marathonhandbook.com/kiptum-marathon-world-record-pace-splits/
WATCH: Olympic Champion Athing Mu Will Not Defend Title In Paris After Nasty Fall In U.S. Trials 800m Final:
https://marathonhandbook.com/athing-mu-2024-us-olympic-trials-fall/
Abbott Announces Sydney Marathon as Newest Addition to the World Marathon Majors:
https://marathonhandbook.com/sydney-marathon-wmm-announcement/
How Boston Marathon Qualification Times Have Changed Throughout History:

Hellen Obiri Wants To Run 2:18 For NYC Marathon Course Record, Reaction To Ruth Chepngetich's WR
CITIUS MAG
6 months ago
Hellen Obiri Wants To Run 2:18 To Smash NYC Marathon Course Record, Reacts To Ruth Chepngetich World Record From our race preview: "Hellen Obiri can cement herself in the pantheon of the all-time greatest championship marathoners with a successful defense of her NYC title. After becoming the first woman in 34 years to win both Boston and NYC in the same year, she lines up looking to repeat the feat following her Boston win in April. In between, she won an Olympic bronze medal off of only six weeks of running following a stress reaction during her Olympic build. A recent workout video shows her looking in peak shape ahead of NYC, and erstwhile training partner Joe Klecker claims she is in 2:08 shape (which seems a lot less crazy after Chicago). She has not yet gone after any fast courses and enters with only the eighth fastest PB in the field, but her strategy of focusing on championship style races is undoubtedly paying dividends as she stacks up major marathon titles." Read more here: https://citiusmag.beehiiv.com/p/new-york-city-marathon-2024-preview CITIUS MAG is proud to partner with HOKA for our coverage of the 2024 New York City Marathon. Find all the details and list of events throughout the weekend here: https://citiusmag.com/articles/citius-mag-cafe-hoka-nyc-marathon-2024-weekend-events FOLLOW CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For other inquiries, contact us: chris@citiusmag.com Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, and subscribe! Help us continue to bring track and field to your home and become a member today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjyDlyHPHLhcIT8ov53d5qg/join

News editor Jessy Carveth and Michael Doyle break down the nominees for World Athletics Track Athlete of the Year. They also unpack Jessy's excellent data-driven analysis of the controversial new women's marathon world record, and why she thinks it could be legit.
Then, Alex, Katelyn, and Michael as they recap their recent races—the Chicago Marathon, Kodiak UTMB and the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon, discussing what went right, what didn’t, and their plans for improvement.
Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/UYNqDFLkKTY
Show Notes:
Here’s Why Ruth Chepngetich’s World Record Is Completely Plausible: A Data-Driven Analysis:
https://marathonhandbook.com/ruth-chepngetich-world-record-plausible/
World Athletics Announces 2024 Track Athlete Of The Year Nominations:
https://marathonhandbook.com/world-athletics-announces-2024-track-athlete-of-the-year-nominations/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Hosts: Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci, Michael Doyle, Jessy Carveth
Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

- Get your fresh pair of Brooks Glycerin Max at brooksrunning.com.
- Download the TCS NYC Marathon app to prep for tracking all of your favorite runners including Des and Chris on November 3rd. Plus, don't forget to tune into the broadcast to see all of the ways technology is changing the broadcast game thanks to TCS.
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Jason and Kevin discuss Ruth Chepngetich obliterating the women's marathon world record, what a sub 2:10 time means for the event, the rest of the results from the Chicago Marathon and the Ingebrigtsen's reality show.
Show Notes


In this special bonus episode, Marathon Handbook editor-at-large, Boston Marathon winner and respected author Amby Burfoot discusses his op-ed on the site about his skepticism of the world record performance by Ruth Chepngetich at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
His main concern: that fans of the sport, including himself, have grown cynical of extreme outlier performances, and that this cynicism is going to irreparably damage running, especially women's participation in the marathon over time.
It should be made clear: Ruth Chepntegich has never failed a doping test, and the world record has not yet been ratified by World Athletics, the global governing body of the sport.
He highlights the lack of transparency in athletics, particularly in women's running, and the need for institutional reform to ensure the integrity of the sport. The hosts analyze the data behind Chepngetich's record-breaking run and compare it to world record performances in other athletics events in history. They call for increased accountability among stakeholders in the marathon running community, including shoe brands, World Athletics, the World Marathon Majors race organizers, and the agents and coaches working with elite marathoners today.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the World Record Controversy
01:44 Skepticism Surrounding Ruth Chepngetich's Performance
08:34 Comparative Analysis with Other Events
13:55 Examining the Data Behind the Record
20:21 The Need for Transparency in Athletics
26:45 Call for Institutional Reform in Marathon Running
This podcast originally appeared on our YouTube feed in video format. Watch it here:
https://youtu.be/Y9rf0D2pvJM
Show Notes:
Read Amby's op-ed:
https://marathonhandbook.com/opinion-why-its-hard-to-trust-ruth-chepngetichs-marathon-world-record/
Watch Chepngetich's world record finish in Chicago:
https://marathonhandbook.com/ruth-chepngetich-chicago-world-record/
WATCH: Ruth Chepngetich Sets World Record At Chicago Marathon And Becomes The First Woman To Break 2:10:
https://marathonhandbook.com/ruth-chepngetich-chicago-world-record/
More on the doping crisis in Kenyan athletics:
https://apnews.com/article/kenya-doping-track-field-worlds-2358ed10c5016bba7eadc6024034afde
The Kenyan government cuts funding to anti-doping controls in the country:
https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/athletics/why-adak-funding-cut-spells-doom-for-kenyan-athletes-4768630
Our Live Updates from the 2024 Chicago Marathon:
https://marathonhandbook.com/live-updates-2024-chicago-marathon/
Here’s What Nike’s Exclusive Chicago Marathon In-store Pop Up Looked Like:
https://marathonhandbook.com/nike-designed-by-you-chicago-marathon-pop-up/
The Best Gear of the 2024 Chicago Marathon Expo:
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-best-gear-of-the-2024-chicago-marathon-expo/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Hosts: Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci, Michael Doyle
Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB
Thumbnail photo: Chicago Marathon/Kevin Morris/MH illustration

One year after the late Kelvin Kiptum obliterated Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record by 34 seconds, running an almost unfathomable 2:00:35, Ruth Chepngetich topped that. Her astounding time of 2:09:56 is one of the greatest running performances in history, makes her the first woman to run under 2:10 in a marathon, and lopped one minute and 57 seconds off Tigist Assefa’s old world record.
On the men’s side, Kenya’s John Korir notched his first-ever World Marathon Majors victory in 2:02:44. (What a time for the sport of marathoning we’re in right now, where a 2:02 showing is basically a footnote!)
Hosts:
Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X
Time Stamps:
Ruth Chepngetich:
1:31 - Breaking down her 2:09:56 world record
9:40 - More on her running history + Chicago victory
13:52 - Stats + analysis on her record
Skepticism surrounding Chepngetich’s world record:
19:01 - Training factors
22:27 - Potential for doping
25:48 - Chepngetich being questioned in the press conference
37:19 - Language barrier
39:35 - The press center during the marathon
American women:
41:21 - Susanna Sullivan, 7th/1st American, 2:21:57
42:57 - Lindsay Flanagan, 9th/2nd American, 2:23:31
44:33 - Keira D’Amato dropping out due to injury
45:13 - Emma Bates, 11th/3rd American, 2:24:00
Men’s race:
47:18 - John Korir, 1st in 2:02:44
50:06 - More on the top finishers
American men:
53:25 - CJ Albertson (7th/1st American, 2:08:17) and Zach Panning (10th/2nd American, 2:09:16)
Final thoughts:
56:15 - Feedback on the broadcast
1:06:29 - CITIUS live at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Mentioned in this episode…
Read: Tweet by Steve Magness comparing Ruth Chepngetich’s world record to equivalent performances
Watch: Interviews with some of the top stars from the Chicago Marathon
Watch: Chicago Marathon full replay
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Alex Cyr jumps on the pod with Michael Doyle, who is in Chicago and just ran the marathon. They talk all about Ruth Chepngetich's wild and huge new women's marathon world record of 2:09:56, what that means for distance running, where it ranks in the pantheon of great sports moments, and exactly just how fast it is by the numbers. They also discuss the rest of the women's race, including how the top Americans did, as well as the men's race, which saw an impressive 2:02 winner in John Korir, along with a few solid American performances.
Michael also shares just what it's like to run the Chicago Marathon with 50,000 other runners, what makes this World Marathon Major so special, and all the details behind the scenes of what it was like on race weekend in the Windy City.
Show Notes:
WATCH: Ruth Chepngetich Sets World Record At Chicago Marathon And Becomes The First Woman To Break 2:10:
https://marathonhandbook.com/ruth-chepngetich-chicago-world-record/
Here’s What Nike’s Exclusive Chicago Marathon In-store Pop Up Looked Like:
https://marathonhandbook.com/nike-designed-by-you-chicago-marathon-pop-up/
The Best Gear of the 2024 Chicago Marathon Expo:
https://marathonhandbook.com/the-best-gear-of-the-2024-chicago-marathon-expo/
Live Updates: The 2024 Chicago Marathon:
https://marathonhandbook.com/live-updates-2024-chicago-marathon/
Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/
Hosts: Alex Cyr, Katelyn Tocci, Michael Doyle
Over 160,000 runners read our newsletter. Sign up here and get our free book The 26 Golden Rules Of Running: https://marathonhandbook.com/newsletter/
Follow us on IG: https://instagram.com/marathon.handbook
Follow us on Tikok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marathon.handbook
Like us on FB: https://facebook.com/marathonhandbook
Follow us on X: https://x.com/MarathonHB

Ruth Chepngetich Responds To Question About Kenyan Doping After 2:09:56 World Record In Chicago
CITIUS MAG
6 months ago
LetsRun’s Robert Johnson asked Ruth Chepngetich about her marathon world record of 2:09:56 in an era when Kenya is struggling with doping. Johnson: “Ruth, unfortunately in recent years there’s been a number of doping positives in Kenya. What would you say to someone who says when they see 2:09:56, ‘This is too good to be true. I have questions about it.” Chepngetich: “I don’t have any idea.” Johnson: “Some people may think that the time is too fast and you must be doping. What would you say to them?” Chepngetich: “You know people must talk but…people must talk so I don’t know.” #ChicagoMarathon

Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich After Breaking Women’s Marathon World Record In 2:09:56 At Chicago Marathon
CITIUS MAG
6 months ago
Ruth Chepngetich after running 2:09:56 to smash the women’s marathon world record at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. She beat the previous world record by 1 minute, 56 seconds to become the first woman in history under 2:10. FOLLOW CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For other inquiries, contact us: chris@citiusmag.com Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, and subscribe! Help us continue to bring track and field to your home and become a member today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjyDlyHPHLhcIT8ov53d5qg/join

On Sunday, October 8, the penultimate World Marathon Major of 2023 kicks off through Millennium Park and through the streets of Chicago. The site of multiple American and world records, the Chicago Marathon is often considered one of the fastest courses in the United States and always draws strong domestic and international elite fields chasing fast times. Last year, the women’s race saw an American record from Emily Sisson and the second-fastest performance of all time (at the time) from winner Ruth Chepngetich. Chicago’s men’s course record of 2:03:45 was the world record when it was set in 2013 by Dennis Kimetto and the women’s course record of 2:14:04 set by Brigid Kosgei in 2019 was the world record until a few weeks ago – this is the place to run fast. The first wave of runners goes off at 8:30 a.m. E.T. (men and women start together). Right now, the forecast looks promising, with a low of 46F and a high of 57F. It’ll be a little breezy with 10-15mph winds, but the looped Chicago course lined in many spots by high rises is relatively tolerant to wind. We could be in for some seriously special racing! CITIUS MAG's team (Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber and Declan Murray) will preview all the top storylines and athletes to watch. Show presented by Bandit Running | Bandit Running is a performance and lifestyle running apparel brand founded by members of the NYC Running Community in 2020. What started as socks and accessories has grown into a full-fledged apparel assortment. Check them out here: https://banditrunning.com/
GET 15% OFF YOUR ORDERS AT BANDITRUNNING.COM THROUGH OCT. 31

Sifan Hassan has defied every expectation of how an athlete is supposed to transition to the marathon. Her debut in London was full of issues, with Hassan experiencing trouble fueling and having to stop to stretch her quad. In the later miles of the race, she even narrowly missed getting hit by a motorbike trying to pick up a water bottle. Oh yeah, and she won in 2:18:33.
Then five weeks later she was back on the track racing a 10,000m and 1500m, kept her season going into August, attempted to triple in the 1500m/5000m/10,000m in Budapest, and came out with two medals, all while in the middle of her buildup for Chicago.
If, by some miracle, that effort hasn’t completely burnt her legs out from under her, she has to be considered one of the biggest – if not the biggest – threat to Ruth Chepngetich’s attempted title defense.
Hosts: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Guest: Sifan Hassan | @sifanhassan on Instagram
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👟 BANDIT RUNNING is a performance and lifestyle running apparel brand founded by members of the NYC Running Community in 2020. What started with socks and accessories has grown into a full-fledged apparel line.
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