)
Ruth Chepng’etich's marathon world record has sparked debate over how soon the women's record could be broken again.
When Ruth Chepng’etich shattered the marathon world record at the 46th Chicago Marathon, clocking a stunning 2:09:56, the global running community was left in awe.
The Kenyan runner's performance marked a historic moment in women’s athletics, as she became the first woman to run the 42km marathon in under two hours and 10 minutes.
)
13:00 - 18.10.2024
'I’m not staying quiet'- Former Boston Marathon champion on why he has doubts about Ruth Chepng'etich's world record
The 1968 Boston Marathon champion expressed doubts about Ruth Chepng’etich’s recent marathon world record, comparing it to past controversial performances, despite acknowledging her impressive career and past successes.
The gravity of this achievement has sparked a wave of conversation around how long this new record will stand—and whether it’s a sign of even faster times to come.
Athletics experts suggest that Chepng’etich’s world record, while remarkable, may not be the last monumental performance in women’s marathons.
Several factors, from technological advancements in sports equipment to innovations in training, are poised to continue pushing the limits of human performance.
According to Dr. Kipchumba Byron, a kinesiology and sports science expert from the University of Georgia, multiple components are coming together to help athletes break new ground.
“Improved training methodologies, including periodization, altitude training, and personalized coaching, can help athletes optimize their performance. As well, enhanced knowledge of nutrition—such as tailored diets, hydration strategies, and recovery protocols—can improve an athlete’s endurance and performance,” explains Kipchumba as per Nairobian.
Technology is also playing a pivotal role in accelerating these record-breaking feats.
The emergence of advanced footwear, particularly the incorporation of carbon-fiber plates and specialized foam in running shoes, has made a notable impact on marathon performance.
“The latest innovations in running shoes have proved to enhance performance and reduce fatigue, allowing athletes to run faster,” Kipchumba adds.
)
09:30 - 20.10.2024
'He doesn't stand a chance' - Justin Gatlin weighs in on much anticipated 2025 showdown between Tyreek Hill & Noah Lyles
Justin Gatlin has weighed in on the 2025 sprint showdown set to take place between Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill after months of playful teasing between each other over who is faster.
With these technological advances showing no signs of slowing down, many are wondering: how much lower can the women’s marathon record go?
Chepng’etich’s performance has drawn praise not only for the speed with which she ran but also for the near-flawless execution of her race strategy.
Passing through the first 5km in a blistering 15:00 and reaching the 10km mark in 30:14—faster than her personal best at that distance—Chepng’etich demonstrated that she is in a league of her own.
Her halfway time of 64:16 was only a few seconds shy of her personal best for a half-marathon (64:02), and she maintained this extraordinary pace to smash the world record by a significant margin.
Coaches and analysts believe her training regimen was a crucial factor in this historic achievement.
“Her training must have included a mix of high-mileage runs, speed work, and specific marathon preparation techniques,” says Dr. Kipchumba.
“Key elements of her training may have included long runs to build endurance, tempo runs to improve lactate threshold, and interval training to enhance speed and running economy.”
This comprehensive approach allows elite athletes like Chepng’etich to fine-tune every aspect of their performance, inching closer to the limits of what was once thought impossible.
)
08:19 - 17.10.2024
'Apologize? For what?'- Journalist who asked Ruth Chepng'etich about doping claims breaks silence after Kenyan parliament demands apology
Kenyans, including Uasin Gishu MP Gladys Boss Shollei, criticized journalist Robert Johnson for questioning Ruth Chepng'etich's world record, with Shollei demanding an apology in parliament, while Johnson defended his inquiry as part of his job.
But is the women’s world record really as close to its ceiling as it seems? With the gap between the men’s and women’s marathon records still standing at 9 minutes and 21 seconds—Kelvin Kiptum’s men’s world record of 2:00:35 remains out of reach—many in the running community believe there is room for further improvement in women’s times.
Experts suggest that continued research in sports science, especially in areas like biomechanics, injury prevention, and performance enhancement, could lead to more breakthroughs.
“Psychological coaching and mental strategies also play a significant role,” Kipchumba notes.
“These tools help athletes perform under pressure and maintain focus throughout the race.”
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)