One year after the late Kelvin Kiptum obliterated Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record by 34 seconds, running an almost unfathomable 2:00:35 , Ruth Chepngetich topped that. Her astounding time of 2:09:56 is one of the greatest running performances in history, makes her the first woman to run under 2:10 in a marathon, and lopped one minute and 57 seconds off Tigist Assefa’s old world record.

On the men’s side, Kenya’s John Korir notched his first-ever World Marathon Majors victory in 2:02:44 . (What a time for the sport of marathoning we’re in right now, where a 2:02 showing is basically a footnote!)

Hosts:

Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram

Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X

Time Stamps:

Ruth Chepngetich:

1:31 - Breaking down her 2:09:56 world record

9:40 - More on her running history + Chicago victory 

13:52 - Stats + analysis on her record

Skepticism surrounding Chepngetich’s world record:

19:01 - Training factors

22:27 - Potential for doping

25:48 - Chepngetich being questioned in the press conference

37:19 - Language barrier

39:35 - The press center during the marathon

American women:

41:21 - Susanna Sullivan, 7th/1st American, 2:21:57

42:57 - Lindsay Flanagan, 9th/2nd American, 2:23:31

44:33 - Keira D’Amato dropping out due to injury 

45:13 - Emma Bates, 11th/3rd American, 2:24:00

Men’s race:

47:18 - John Korir, 1st in 2:02:44

50:06 - More on the top finishers

American men:

53:25 - CJ Albertson (7th/1st American, 2:08:17 ) and Zach Panning (10th/2nd American, 2:09:16 )

Final thoughts:

56:15 - Feedback on the broadcast

1:06:29 - CITIUS live at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon

Mentioned in this episode…

Read: Parting Thoughts From The 2024 Chicago Marathon: Ruth Chepngetich Destroys Women’s World Record In 2:09:56 at Chicago Marathon

Read: Tweet by Steve Magness comparing Ruth Chepngetich’s world record to equivalent performances

Watch: Interviews with some of the top stars from the Chicago Marathon

Watch: Chicago Marathon full replay

Subscribe for free: CITIUS MAG Newsletter

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

LEVER MOVEMENT: Elevate your running with the LEVER system, just like Olympian Eilish McColgan. Reduce impact on your joints, boost your training volume, and recover faster with this portable, easy-to-use treadmill system. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Save 20% with code CITIUS20 at LEVERMOVEMENT.COM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

OLIPOP: For the past year, we’ve redefined Olipop as more than just a healthy drink known for its gut microbiome with a low sugar content and a much better alternative to regular soda. You know there are more than 16 flavors, including classic root beer, cherry cola, and lemon-lime. You know it as The Runner’s Soda. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 25% off your orders by using code CITIUS25 at drinkolipop.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.