Kelvin Kiptum achieved the unthinkable on Sunday during the Chicago Marathon, completing the race in a time that was just 35 seconds over 2 hours. This remarkable finish of 2:00:35, although still awaiting official ratification, surpasses the previous world record set by Eliud Kipchoge by 34 seconds. According to CNN, Kiptum’s achievement also marks the first time in history that a marathon has been completed in under 2:01:00. Daniel Kibet Mateiko, the second-place finisher, crossed the finish line over three minutes and 27 seconds behind Kiptum. It’s worth mentioning that Kiptum, a 23-year-old from Kenya, ran his first marathon just last December, where he achieved the fastest-ever debut marathon. The Chicago Marathon was only his third competitive marathon after setting a course record in London in April.
The Guardian reports that advancements in “supershoe technology” have radically impacted marathon running, making it inevitable for someone to eventually break the 2-hour barrier. Kiptum wore Nike Dev 163 prototype shoes during the Chicago Marathon. Just two weeks prior, Ethiopian runner Tigist Assefa broke the women’s marathon world record in Berlin while wearing Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 shoes that cost nearly $500. In the women’s race at the Chicago Marathon, Sifan Hassan emerged as the victor and achieved the second-best women’s time with her 2:13:44 finish. After the race, Kiptum expressed his joy, saying, “I knew I was coming for a course record, but a world record—I am so happy. A world record was not on my mind today, but I knew one day I would be a world record-holder.” (Read more marathon stories.)
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