“A world record was not on my mind, but it came naturally”, says Kiptum as he smashes Kipchoge’s record

Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum had his sights set far beyond the world record as he powered through the Chicago Marathon course to claim victory on Sunday

The 23-year-old stunned the world by smashing the world record at the Chicago Marathon. Kiptum, who had not set out with the specific goal of breaking the world record, completed the marathon in just two hours and 35 seconds, eclipsing the previous record of 2:01:09 held by fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge.

Kiptum’s record-breaking performance was met with jubilation as he crossed the finish line, waving to the spectators, blowing kisses, and raising his arms in triumph. Overwhelmed by his achievement, he knelt down and kissed the course in gratitude.

Reflecting on his remarkable feat, Kiptum shared his initial mindset: “For now, I’m very happy. A world record was not on my mind, but it came naturally.” However, as he glanced at the clock during the race and realized he was several minutes behind the world record, he found a newfound inspiration to push his limits. “I saw the time in front of me and said let me try and see if I can run under 2:00. But unfortunately, I didn’t make it,” he explained.

Kiptum’s confidence in his potential to achieve greatness over the marathon distance was unwavering: “I always knew one time I’d be a world record holder,” he remarked. His decision to participate in the Chicago Marathon was driven by the reputation of the course for being flat and conducive to fast times.

This historic victory marked the first time a world record was set in Chicago since Moroccan runner Khalid Khannouchi’s record-breaking run in 1999. Kiptum’s triumph was further solidified by a strong performance from fellow Kenyan Benson Kipruto, who finished second in 2:03.27.

Belgian athlete Bashir Abdi, an Olympic and World Championships bronze medalist, claimed the third spot with a time of 2:03.57. John Korir, another Kenyan, secured a fourth-place finish in 2:04.34.

Kiptum’s journey to becoming a world record holder has been remarkable. He had previously won the 2023 London Marathon, only narrowly missing Eliud Kipchoge’s world record by 16 seconds. Kiptum’s dedication to the sport was evident in his marathon debut during the 2022 Valencia Marathon, where he achieved the fastest debut in history.

In preparation for the Chicago Marathon, Kiptum opted out of last month’s Berlin Marathon to conserve his energy. The event witnessed a record-breaking participation, with over 47,000 runners taking to the streets of Chicago.

In the women’s race, Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan claimed victory in a new course record time of two hours, 13 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngetich secured second place in 2:15:37, followed by Ethiopian athlete Megertu Alemu in third with a time of 2:17:09. Joyciline Jepkosgei of Kenya finished fourth in 2:17:23.

Kelvin Kiptum’s world record-breaking run in the Chicago Marathon will be remembered as a historic moment in the world of long-distance running, cementing his place among the sport’s elite athletes.

Selected Results:

Men’s Elite

Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) – 2:00:35 WR
Benson Kipruto (KEN) – 2:04:02
Bashir Abdi (BEL) – 2:04:32
John Korir (KEN) – 2:05:09
Seifu Tura Abdiwak (ETH) – 2:05:29

Women’s EliteSifan Hassan (NED) – 2:13:44 CR
Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) – 2:15:37
Megertu Alemu (ETH) – 2:17:09
Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) – 2:17:23
Tadu Teshome Nare (ETH) – 2:20:04