AK lauded the exploits of Chepngetich who not only broke the women’s marathon world record but also clinched the Chicago Marathon for the third time
Athletics Kenya (AK) on Wednesday, October 16 called on international media houses to give Ruth Chepngetich the respect she deserves, in response to unwarranted scrutiny surrounding her epic 2:09:56 world record in the Chicago Marathon this past weekend.
In a statement, AK lauded the exploits of Chepngetich who not only broke the women’s marathon world record but also clinched the Chicago Marathon for the third time, earning her status as one of the finest athletes of the modern times.
“Her familiarity with the course, having won this prestigious marathon on two previous occasions in 2021 and 2022. played a pivotal role in her third victory, showcasing her tactfulness and athletic mastery,” the statement read in part.
“Ruth’s ascent as a star in Kenya’s athletics scene has been nothing short of extraordinary. From her World Championships win in 2019 to her consistent performance on the global stage over 5 years, she has set a high standard for others to follow.”
Athletics Kenya president Jackson Tuwei. /CITIZEN DIGITAL
According to AK, Chepngetich joined the league of other Kenyan Women World record-holders including Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, and Beatrice Chepkoech among others, with her latest triumph viewed as a continuation of this stellar career, despite missing the 2024 Paris Olympics games due to illness.
In boldly calling out a section of global media houses for publishing opinion pieces scrutinising her milestone achievement, the federation warned that they risked damaging the integrity of athletics as a sport.
Additionally, an X thread by Stephen Kerr, an athletics enthusiast, seemed to cast doubts on Chepngetich’s world record in Chicago, in which she also became the first female marathoner to clock a sub-2:10. Kerr further claimed that Chepngetich couldn’t shave off two minutes from Ethiopian Tigist Assefa’s previous world record at last year’s Berlin Marathon, adding that the 30-year-old’s marathon career progression made no sense for her to suddenly turn up and clock a world record.
The federation issued a reminder that Chepngetich was not the only athlete to break a world record in his or her preferred discipline in 2024. “In any case, many world records were broken this year, and to single her out is utterly unfair. It is therefore disheartening to witness some sections of the media casting unwarranted doubt on her achievements. Such aspersions, made without due process, undermine not only her efforts but the integrity of the sport,” added AK.
The federation was quick to note that Chepngetich, like all athletes in major competitions, underwent multiple anti-doping tests, both pre-race and post-race, terming them standard procedures in events of this magnitude, and “only after all results are verified will her record be officially ratified.”
“Ruth’s achievement, while impressive, is not without precedent. Marathon records have been broken by even wider margins, affirming that her feat is well within the bounds of possibility for an athlete of her calibre. Her consistent performance over the years stands as a testament to her dedication and excellence in the sport,” the statement continued.
AK, other than urging the media and the global community to give Chepngetich the deserved respect, called upon them to protect athletes from harassment.
“Let her celebrate this hard-earned victory and let us acknowledge the years of hard work and discipline that have brought her to this moment. Unfounded doubts and unfair treatment have no place in this proud moment for Kenya and for Ruth,” AK appealed.
Chepngetich during a post-race interview shut down a reporter who sought to water down her record-breaking achievement in Chicago by dragging in Kenya’s doping menace, in response to those who would question the legitimacy of her world record.
“Ruth, unfortunately in recent years there’s been a number of doping positives in Kenya. What would you say to someone who says when they see 2:09:56, ‘This is too good to be true. I have questions about it,” asked a journalist via Citius Mag
“I don’t have any idea,” responded Chepngetich. “Some people may think that the time is too fast and you must be doping. What would you say to them?” The journalist further queried.
“You know people must talk so I don’t know,” asserted Chepngetich.
Kenya has been on the receiving end of high-profile doping bans this year with Michael Saruni, Lawrence Cherono, Josephine Chepkoech, Rhonex Kipruto and Faith Chepkoech among some of the elite athletes recently suspended.
The 30-year-old bettered the world record of 2:11:53 set by Assefa at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. She entered the race as the fourth-fastest woman in history with a personal best of 2:14:18.
