This archive report was first published on 13 October 2019.
Kenya's Brigid Kosgei Smashes World Marathon Record at Chicago Marathon ¶
On October 13, 2019, Kenyan athlete Brigid Kosgei made history by breaking Paula Radcliffe's 16-year-old world marathon record at the Chicago Marathon.
Radcliffe's record, set in 2003, stood at 2:15:25. Kosgei shattered it by 81 seconds, finishing with a time of 2:14:04.
Just a day before, Eliud Kipchoge had shattered the 2-hour marathon barrier in Vienna, and Kosgei's victory was seen as a testament to her incredible talent and dedication.
Speaking after the race, Kosgei admitted she was surprised she had run so fast, saying, "I am feeling good, and I am happy because I was not expecting this. But I felt my body was moving, moving, moving so I went for it," as quoted by The Guardian.
Deputy President William Ruto was among the first to congratulate Kosgei on her achievement, saying, "Hearty congratulations to Brigid Kosgei for setting a new women's world record of 2:14:04, and triumphantly defending your 2018 Chicago Marathon title," on his official Facebook page.
