Ruth Chepngetich Shatters Marathon World Record with a Surprising Revelation
Kenyan marathoner Ruth Chepngetich stunned the world on Sunday, October 14, 2024, by breaking the marathon world record at the Chicago Marathon with a time of 2:09:56. Her incredible feat not only lowered the previous world record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa in Berlin in 2023, but also made Chepngetich the first woman in history to officially run a marathon under 2 hours and 10 minutes.
However, the historic achievement was followed by an even more surprising revelation: Chepngetich is self-coached. In a statement that shocked both fans and experts in the sport, the 30-year-old runner disclosed that she does not work with a professional coach.
“Me, as Ruth Chepngetich, I don’t have a coach. I am self-coached,” she told reporters after the race. The athlete explained that her training routine is unconventional for an elite runner. She prepares for major races by training with a group of pacemakers in Ngong, Kajiado County, relying heavily on her instincts and experience to guide her.
Chepngetich’s self-coaching approach defies the norms of elite marathon running, where professional coaches and teams are typically involved in every aspect of training, strategy, and preparation. Despite this, Chepngetich said she was confident she could achieve the world record after her intense preparation and focus in the lead-up to the race.
The Chicago Marathon victory adds to Chepngetich’s growing list of accolades, cementing her place as one of the top marathoners in the world. Her success, however, has sparked debate among athletes and coaches, as it highlights the potential for individual athletes to succeed without the traditional coaching infrastructure.
This record-breaking run is another milestone in Chepngetich’s impressive career, which also includes winning the 2019 World Marathon Championships in Doha. As she continues to defy expectations, Chepngetich’s triumph in Chicago will undoubtedly inspire many athletes to follow their instincts and trust their unique training methods.
In addition to her historic win, Chepngetich is set to receive a significant financial reward, with reports indicating she will pocket millions of Kenyan shillings for smashing the world record. As the running world celebrates her achievements, her self-driven approach to success has certainly captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.
