Two-time Olympic marathon silver medallist and former women’s world marathon record holder Catherine Ndereba believes the women’s marathon gets even faster after Kenya’s Ruth Chepng’etich shattered the 2:10 barrier.
Chepng’etich made history by clocking 2:09:56 to become the first woman to break the 2:10 marks at the Chicago Marathon early this month.
Her stunning run eclipsed the previous world record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa at last year’s Berlin Marathon.
Ndereba, a trail blazer in her own right, is confident this milestone will pave way for even lower times shortly.
“Ruth’s achievement is a historic feat. Not only did she bring the world record back home, but she also opened the doors to greater possibilities for the women’s marathon. I foresee the times getting even faster as more athletes push the limits,” Ndereba revealed.
Reflecting on the rapid evolution of the women’s marathon, Ndereba emphasised competition has been steadily increased.
“The sub-2:10 barrier was bound to be broken. The women’s marathon has become more competitive over the years,” she said.
“I recall in 2001 Naoko Takahashi of Japan had set a new World record which I went on to break a month later. My record did not last long before it was broken. This shows female athletes have been getting more and more competitive.”
In 2001, Takahashi shattered the 2:20 barrier with a 2:19:46 finish at the Berlin Marathon, only for Ndereba to lower it to 2:18:47 at the Chicago Marathon a month later (October 7, 2001 ).
The record didn’t last as Britain’s Paula Radcliffe posted 2:17:18— breaking the 2:18 barrier – in the same course on October 13, 2002, before going on to break the 2:16 barrier with a 2:15:25 at the 2003 London Marathon.
Brigid Kosgei further pushed the boundaries with a 2:14:04 at the Chicago Marathon on October 13, 2019.
Ndereba said the fast-paced Chicago course which she highlighted was suitable for record-breaking performances on a good day.
“With the right kind of weather, the Chicago Marathon course is very fast. This is what I have competed in several times and it has witnessed numerous World records,” she added.
Ndereba has claimed two Chicago Marathon titles; in 2001 and 2000 ( 2:21:33 ) placing second in 2002 ( 2:19:26 ).
The Chicago Marathon is where the current men’s world record of 2:00:35 was set by the late Kelvin Kiptum — the first man to break the sub 2:01 barrier.
On techonolgy, she said:
“Technology has played a big part in the
world marathon. Athletes can run
even faster because of some of the
shoes they wear which points to even
greater stories and records in the
years to come.”