Chepngetich out to defend Chicago Marathon title

Former World Marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich will be on the streets of Chicago on Sunday 9 October where she headlines the women's elite list at the Chicago Marathon. 

She makes her first appearance on the road since exiting her world championship title defence race due to health reasons. 

Chepngetich, the fourth fastest woman in the history of marathon running, took the crown in Chicago in 2021 with a time of 2:22:31. 

She started her 2022 season off strong with a win and course record at the Nagoya Marathon, but dropped out of the world championships race. 

The 2019 World Champion has a personal best of 2:17:08 set in 2019 at the Dubai Marathon. She also came third in the 2020 London Marathon, and is the third-fastest woman of all time over the half marathon distance (1:04:02)

With Chicago offering a fast, flat course that offers the opportunity for runners to push the boundaries, the race is expected to be a fast one.

Five world records have been set on the course, with the last coming in 2019 when Kenya's Brigid Kosgei set a fastest ever women's time for the classic distance of 2:14:04 - a record that stands to this day.

Chepngetich will, however, face stiff competition from compatriots Celestine Chepchirchir and Vivian Kiplagat who are the second and third-fastest in the elite field. 

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Reigning La Rochelle Marathon champion Chepchirchir, who is making her debut in the World Marathon Majors has a fastest time of 2:20:10, over three minutes slower than Chepngetich, however her progress this year has seen her lower her own PB by over three minutes. 

In April’s Seoul Marathon, Chepchirchir ran home in the impressive PB, in fourth place, and will have her eyes on going under the 2:20 mark in Chicago.

"Despite not winning the Seoul Marathon title, I set a good time that earned me a call to the Majors. Majority of athletes I ran with are in the Majors now.

As I head to Chicago, I am targeting even better times to pave way for more top races in the future. I know the competitions high but i want to come home with something to smile about,” the Kapsabet-based athlete told The Star. 

The third in a trio of Kenyans with the fastest times in the women’s race has also shown strong form this year.

Kiplagat posted a personal best just eight seconds slower than Chepchirchir’s when she registered a time of 2:20:18 in Milan last April.

Women's Elite Field

1. Ruth Chepngetich 2:17:08 (Dubai, 2019) KEN
2. Celestine Chepchirchir 2:20:10 (Seoul, 2022) KEN
3. Vivian Kiplagat 2:20:18 (Milan, 2022) KEN
4. Haven Hailu Desse 2:20:19 (Amsterdam, 2021) ETH
5. Emily Sisson 2:23:08 (London, 2019) USA
6. Laura Thweatt 2:25:38 (London, 2017) USA
7. Sarah Sellers 2:25:43 (Duluth, 2022) USA
8. Sara Vaughn 2:26:53 (Sacramento, 2021) USA
9. Susanna Sullivan 2:26:56 (Duluth, 2022) USA
10. Diane Nukuri 2:27:50 (London, 2015) USA
11. Krista Duchene 2:28:32 (Toronto, 2013) CAN
12. Maggie Montoya 2:29:08 (Houston, 2022) USA
13. Ursula Sanchez 2:29:11 (Chandler, 2020) MEX
14. Carrie Verdon 2:31:51 (Chicago, 2021) USA
15. Rachel Hannah 2:32:09 (Houston, 2016) CAN
16. Brittney Feivor 2:32:41 (Houston, 2022) USA
17. Meriah Earle 2:34:19 (Duluth, 2022) USA
18. Marie-Ange Brumelot 2:35:41 (Duluth, 2022) FRA
19. Kristen Heckert 2:38:54 (Chicago, 2017) USA
20. Olivia Pratt 2:40:42 (Chicago, 2021) USA
21. Jessie Cardin Debut USA
22. Makena Morley Debut USA