This archive report was first published on 13 October 2019.
On October 13, 2019, Brigid Kosgei made history by breaking the women's World Marathon record at the Chicago Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:14:01.
Lawrence Cherono, a Kenyan athlete, also had a remarkable performance, securing a Kenyan double by winning the men's race in 2:05:45.
Kosgei's achievement erased one minute and 21 seconds off the previous record of 2:15:25 set by Paula Radcliffe in April 2003 at the London Marathon.
With this victory, Kosgei successfully defended her title, which she won last year in 2:18:35.
Trained in Kapsait, Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kosgei is also the reigning London Marathon champion and has enjoyed a prolonged winning streak, finishing first or second in nine of her ten career marathons.
Her pace was blisteringly fast, covering the first five kilometers in 15:28, and she maintained regular 16-minute splits for each five-kilometer segment.
As the race turned out to be about Kosgei's world record attempt, she showed no signs of fading in the closing stages, crossing the finish line in 2:14:04.
