Athletics: Ruth Chepngetich targets another historic feat at London Marathon

Kenyan marathoner Ruth Chepngetich, the current women’s world record holder, is gearing up to compete in the London Marathon on April 27.

The 30-year-old made history at the Chicago Marathon in October, becoming the first woman to finish a marathon in under 2 hours and 10 minutes.

Her record-breaking time of 2:09:57 shattered the previous record set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by nearly two minutes.

Reflecting on her Chicago achievement, Chepngetich said, “I didn’t think it was possible, but it showed me that dreams can come true.”

In London, she will face a highly competitive field, including Dutch Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and fellow Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir.

Jepchirchir, who holds the women-only marathon world record, posted a time of 2:16:16 in London last year, where male and female runners compete together.

Chepngetich anticipates a thrilling race. “Peres, myself, and the other women are strong, so it’s going to be competitive,” she remarked. “With the quality of the field, I think we can push each other and maybe even break Peres’ record. I’ll focus on preparing as best I can.”

The London Marathon is renowned for attracting the world’s best athletes, and with this lineup, the stage is set for another historic performance.