Celebratory Messages Follow Ruth Chepngetich's Record-Breaking Race

On Instagram, many users shared heartfelt, congratulatory comments on Chepngetich’s page, under several posts celebrating her astounding win and even under some of her older posts. “Kenyans in the comments section are not even shocked,” IG user @h_kip_ wrote under a collaborative post between Chepngetich’s IG and the World Athletics page. “We're just so used to this [at this point]. Congratulations Ruth.”

On X, there were also celebratory posts, including from government officials. Kenya’s recently impeached deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, shared his “hearty congratulations,” while also celebrating Kenyan runner John Korir, who won Sunday’s marathon in 2 hours, 2 minutes and 44 seconds. Chepngetich finished tenth overall.

In her congratulatory message, deputy majority leader of the Kenyan Senate, Tabitha Karanja, said Chepngetich’s “hard work and dedication have brought pride to our great nation and inspired millions. Keep shining! Kongoi!” Also, Chibanzi Mwachonda, a high-ranking member of Kenya’s medical union, called Chepngetich’s feat “extraordinary.”

After her win, Chepngetich dedicated her record-breaking race to Kelvin Kiptum, who passed away earlier this year at just 24 years old. Kiptum nearly became the first athlete to break the 2-hour mark, after running a blistering race and setting a new marathon record on the same Chicago course.

“I’m dedicating this world record to Kelvin [Kiptum]. Maybe he could have defended his title here again and got another world record,” she said. A minute of silence was held in honor of Kiptum before the race, and stickers displaying Kiptum’s record-breaking time of 2:00:35 were given to the marathon participants.

Amidst the celebrations, there is also ongoing chatter about the validity of Chepngetich’s new world record, with the complaints centering around doping concerns. Dozens of Kenyan athletes have been the subject of doping scandals, with many of them leading to extensive bans, which has caused many to call for serious development of the country’s integrity standards when it comes to anti-doping measures.

At the post-race conference, Chepngetich replied to a journalist who asked how she would react to those who believe she doped to set the new world record: “You know people must talk but… people must talk so I don’t know.” Considering her record as a two-time champion on the same course, it’s understandable that the Kenyan runner was puzzled by the question.

Responding to the doping chatter, Athletics Kenya on October 16, released a statement saying that Chepngetich’s win is a continuation of a stellar career on the global stage in the last five years. “Many records were broken this year and to single her out is utterly unfair,” Athletics Kenya said, while urging “the media and the global community to give Ruth [Chepngetich] the respect she deserves.” The statement concluded by emphasizing that “unfounded doubts and unfair treatment have no place in this proud moment for Kenya and for Ruth [Chepngetich].”

In the splits from her race, where she ran just over one hour and four minutes in the half marathon, it was clear that Chepngetich attacked the world record this time around from the start to the end, averaging under 5 minutes per mile. “The weather was perfect and I was well-prepared. The world record was in my mind,” she said.