Ruth Chepng’etich has sent a strong message to her doubters ahead of the London Marathon.
Ruth Chepng’etich has sent a bold message to all the doubters of her world record set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
The Kenyan star became the first woman to run under 2:10, clocking an astonishing 2:09:56 to cross the finish line first.
Sutume Asefa Kebede of Ethiopia finished an impressive second in 2:17:32 as Irine Cheptai, another Kenyan, rounded up the podium in 2:17:52.
The Olympics champion has shared some key characteristics that have turned her into a revered sprinter.
Chepng’etich’s world record sparked a lot of conversations with many people doubting her record and noting that no woman, in this day and age, would be able to clock such a fast time without having used enhanced methods.
The previous world record was set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa who clocked 2:11:53 to win the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
However, all the rumours were quashed after World Athletics ratified her record in no time, meaning that it was credible and had been set under realistic conditions allowed by the governing body.
“I just let the people talk and continue with my life. I want to urge online critics not to bully athletes because they don’t know what goes on in the back of the mind of an athlete. Doping is an individual thing and not everyone engages in that,” Ruth Chepng’etich said in an interview after her fourth-place finish at the Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships.
She has since been confirmed for the London Marathon where she lines up against a stacked field including defending champion Peres Jepchirchir, the 2023 Berlin Marathon champion Tigst Assefa and Olympic marathon champion Sifan Hassan.
Following her record-breaking run in Chicago, all eyes will be on Chepng’etich to deliver another impressive performance in London but the strong field will give her a hard time on her way to victory.
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Sifan Hassan has explained why she will need hefty appearance fee and prize money before committing to Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track.
Chepng’etich has already started training towards the assignment and she hopes to be able to win the race and hopefully come out with another record.
“In London, I’m hoping for the best because I have already started my training and I will continue working hard looking towards adding another title to my name,” she added.
She opened her season at the Kenya Prisons Cross Country in Ruiru where she finished fourth as Loice Chemnung claimed top honours.
