This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 28, 2019, Kenyan athlete Ruth Chepngetich made history by winning the women's marathon title at the 2019 IAAF World Championships in Doha, Qatar, under challenging conditions.
Despite the extreme heat and humidity, Chepngetich completed the race in a record time of 2:32:43, securing the gold medal for Kenya.
Organizers had decided to proceed with the event as scheduled, despite concerns that the conditions might not be suitable for marathon running.
The temperature at the time of Chepngetich's finish was 88 degrees (31 Celsius), with 77% humidity and a heat index of 105 (40). The wind was negligible.
While Chepngetich battled the conditions to emerge victorious, several athletes were forced to drop out, including Linet Chebet of Uganda and Sara Dossena of Italy, who were stretchered off the course.
Kenyan-born Bahrainian Rose Chelimo took the silver medal with a time of 2:33:46, while Namibian and Commonwealth Games champion Helalia Johannes secured the bronze medal in 2:34:15.
Two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat, 39, finished fourth in a Season's Best time of 2:35:36.
Kenya's team took to social media to celebrate and congratulate Chepngetich, with ODM party leader Raila Odinga among those who expressed pride and joy in the Kenyan team's achievement.
