Ruth Chepngetich's brilliant performance at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday has forever changed the landscape of long-distance running. Clocking in at an astonishing two hours, nine minutes, and fifty-seven seconds, Chepngetich not only claimed victory but also demolished the existing world record by nearly two minutes, previously held by Ethiopian Tigst Assefa.

Incredible Statistics

Chepngetich's race was nothing short of extraordinary. She reached the halfway mark at 1:04:16, a blistering pace that would have placed her fifth in the women's half-marathon all-time rankings. Her second half, completed in 1:05:41, also showcased her endurance and speed, ranking 36th on the all-time list. In total, Chepngetich's marathon was equivalent to running over eight and a half Parkruns, maintaining an average pace of 15 minutes and 24 seconds for each.

Remarkably, only ten men in the Chicago race finished with times better than Chepngetich's, marking her performance as exceptional by any standard. When analyzed through World Athletics’ scoring tables, her performance equated to a 1:59:37 men's marathon — a mark that stands almost a minute faster than the current men's world record!

A New Era in Marathon Running

This latest achievement adds to Chepngetich’s already impressive resume, which includes winning the world title in Qatar in 2019 and coming close to a world record in a previous race. Her staggering improvement reflects a broader trend seen across women's marathon racing since the dawn of the 'supershoe' era. Between 1988 and 1998, the men's marathon world record remained untouched, but in the last decade, it has been broken four times, decreasing by nearly three minutes.

The technological advancements in running shoes, particularly those featuring high-tech foams, carbon plates, and pressurized airbags, have led to significant performance enhancements for athletes. Athletes have found themselves in an exhilarating arms race, with manufacturers like Nike pushing the envelope further. Chepngetich wore the Nike Alphafly 3, which has been certified by World Athletics for its innovative design.

Regulatory Landscape

In response to the rapid evolution in footwear technology, World Athletics has implemented extensive regulations that cover everything from shoe composition to the supply of prototypes to athletes. Chepngetich's shoes retail for £285, a testament to the investment she makes towards optimal performance.

Addressing Doping Concerns

Kenyan athletics has faced scrutiny due to multiple doping scandals over recent years, raising questions about the credibility of performances from the region. Chepngetich herself was confronted with inquiries about doping following her astonishing victory. Despite the cloud of distrust, she remained unfazed, stating, "People must talk."

As we celebrate her monumental achievement, Chepngetich's world record is not just a personal victory; it symbolizes the ever-evolving world of athletics, one where boundaries are continually smashed, and human performance is redefined.