Ruth Chepngetich Leads Kenya’s Elite in Pursuit of Buenos Aires Marathon Glory

Kenya’s 2019 World Marathon champion, Ruth Chepngetich, is set to lead her country’s formidable contingent at the Buenos Aires Marathon this Sunday in Argentina. Chepngetich, known for her tenacity and speed, is determined to improve upon her performance from last year, where she finished third in a highly competitive race.

In the previous edition of the Buenos Aires Marathon, Chepngetich recorded a time of 1:06:18, securing a commendable third place. She finished just behind Ethiopia’s Ababel Yeshaneh, who clocked 1:06:10 to claim victory, and Gutemi Shone, who finished as the runner-up with a time of 1:06:12. Despite the strong finish, Chepngetich is motivated to return stronger this year, aiming to climb higher on the podium.

The Buenos Aires Marathon has garnered significant recognition from World Athletics, earning its place as one of the top 10 races globally. This prestigious status is a testament to the event’s fast course, which has been known to produce personal bests and record-breaking performances. Additionally, the marathon’s massive participation, with over 20,000 runners each year, and its outstanding organization have contributed to its high ranking on the global stage.

“This year, the 21k race was selected by World Athletics as one of the top 10 races in the world due to its fast course, massive participation, and excellent organization,” stated the event’s organizers in a recent announcement. Such recognition underscores the marathon’s significance, not just in Latin America but also worldwide, as a premier destination for elite and amateur runners alike.

Chepngetich’s career is decorated with numerous accolades, reflecting her dominance and consistency in the marathon circuit. She achieved back-to-back victories at the Chicago Marathon, winning in 2021 with a time of 2:22:31 and again in 2022, where she shattered records with a remarkable time of 2:14:18. These performances solidified her reputation as one of the world’s top marathoners.

In addition to her Chicago Marathon triumphs, Chepngetich secured third place at the 2020 London Marathon, finishing in 2:22:05. She was edged out by fellow Kenyan Brigid Kosgei, who won the race in 2:18:58, and the USA’s Sara Hall, who finished second with a time of 2:22:01. These podium finishes at major international marathons have consistently kept Chepngetich in the spotlight.

One of Chepngetich’s most significant career achievements came at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar, where she clinched the gold medal in the marathon. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Chepngetich crossed the finish line in 2:32:43, ahead of Bahrain’s Rose Chelimo, who finished in 2:33:46, and Namibia’s Helalia Johannes, who clocked 2:34:15. This victory not only highlighted her endurance but also her ability to perform under pressure in the most demanding environments.

Her list of victories also includes the 2019 Dubai Marathon, where she set a course record of 2:17:08, the 2022 Nagoya Women’s Marathon, which she won in 2:17:18, the 2021 Istanbul Half Marathon, where she recorded a time of 1:04:02, and the 2018 Istanbul Marathon, which she completed in 2:18:35. These wins demonstrate her versatility and ability to excel across different courses and conditions.

Joining Chepngetich at the Buenos Aires Marathon will be another Kenyan star, Joyce Chepkemoi, the reigning Madrid Half Marathon champion. Chepkemoi, who has been steadily rising in the ranks, boasts a personal best of 1:06:19, which she set at the 2021 Lisboa Half Marathon. In that race, she finished third, closely trailing Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gemechu, who won with a time of 1:06:06, and Kenya’s Daisy Cherotich, who finished second in 1:06:15.

Chepkemoi’s achievements extend beyond the Lisboa Half Marathon. She claimed victory at the 2021 Valencia 15km Road Race with a time of 47:24, won the 2018 Trento Half Marathon in 1:09:21, and secured a runner-up finish at the 2022 Paris Half Marathon, where she recorded a time of 1:07:37. Her consistent performances make her a strong contender in any race she enters.

The women’s race at the Buenos Aires Marathon will be highly competitive, with other top athletes like Tesfay Nigisti of Ethiopia also in the mix. Nigisti, the 2022 Paris Half Marathon champion, has a personal best of 1:06:17, which she achieved during her sixth-place finish at the 2021 Valencia Half Marathon. Her presence adds another layer of competition to an already stacked field.

In the men’s race, Cosmas Mwangi, the 2023 Milano Half Marathon champion, is focused on improving his third-place finish from last year’s Buenos Aires Marathon. Mwangi clocked 59:29 in that race, contributing to an all-Kenyan podium sweep. He finished behind Roncer Konga, who won the race with a time of 59:08, and Felix Kipkoech, who secured second place in 59:28.

Mwangi will be joined by Richard Yator, the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah second runner-up. Together, they will face stiff competition from Ethiopia’s Gerba Dibaba, the defending Buenos Aires Marathon champion. The men’s race promises to be just as thrilling as the women’s, with elite runners from Kenya and Ethiopia vying for the top spot in one of the world’s most prestigious marathons.