Kenyan marathon sensation Ruth Chepngetich has been crowned the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for October 2024, thanks to her awe-inspiring performance at the Chicago Marathon. Chepngetich made history on October 13 by breaking the women’s marathon world record, becoming the first woman to complete the 42-kilometer race in under two hours and 10 minutes. Her groundbreaking time of 2:09:56 shattered Tigst Assefa’s previous record of 2:11:53, etching her name in the annals of marathon history.
This achievement has earned Chepngetich her third SPOM award, following previous wins in April 2021 and March 2022. Her dominance in the marathon circuit and her continuous excellence have once again brought her to the spotlight, solidifying her place as one of Kenya’s top athletes.
Ruth Chepngetich’s Record-Breaking Chicago Marathon Performance
The 30-year-old Chepngetich arrived at the Chicago Marathon with a personal best of 2:14:18 and high hopes of setting a new record. Her astounding performance in Chicago didn’t just secure her victory but also saw her set a new world record in the process. Running at an exceptional pace, Chepngetich became the first woman to cross the marathon finish line in under 2:10, clocking an unbelievable 2:09:56. This victory marks her third win at the Chicago Marathon, further establishing her as one of the world’s leading female marathon runners.
Her record-breaking feat has resonated globally, earning her admiration and a nomination for the prestigious World Athletics Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year award. This recognition highlights Chepngetich’s dedication, resilience, and exceptional talent, which continue to inspire many in Kenya and beyond.
The Prestigious LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month Award
The LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month award is a coveted accolade presented to outstanding Kenyan athletes who excel in their respective fields. Sponsored by LG Electronics and the Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK), the award recognizes exceptional sports achievements and aims to encourage local talent by shining a spotlight on top performers.
Congratulations to Ruth Chepngetich has been named
the LG/SJAK Sports Personality of the Month (SPOM) for October 2024 following her exploits at
the 46th @ChiMarathon on Oct. 13, where she ran 2:09:56 breaking the previous record held by Ethiopia Tigst Assefa#teamkenya pic.twitter.com/xOrfUUQckO— Athletics Kenya (@athletics_kenya) November 13, 2024
This month’s competition was particularly fierce, with nominees from various sports disciplines vying for the title. Chepngetich’s remarkable marathon success, however, ultimately won over the judges, propelling her to the top of the list and securing her third SPOM title.
The Stellar List of Nominees for October
While Chepngetich emerged as the winner, she faced stiff competition from a talented pool of Kenyan athletes, each bringing their unique skills and achievements to the table. Among the nominees were:
- Lorna Faith Wasike: The Junior Starlets striker made headlines as the Player of the Match in Kenya’s 2-1 victory over Mexico at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic. Her performance demonstrated the rising talent in Kenyan women’s football and earned her a spot in the SPOM nominees.
- Kevin Wangaya: Based in Albania, this central midfielder has been making waves in international football with his skills and tactical prowess. Wangaya’s nomination speaks to the growing influence of Kenyan talent abroad.
- Aldrine Kibet: The highly-rated forward from Spain’s Nastic Soccer Academy has been showcasing his potential on the international stage, making him a strong contender for the October SPOM.
- Ibrahim Wanzala: As the Kakamega Homeboyz goalkeeper, Wanzala’s solid performances in Kenya’s premier league have not gone unnoticed, leading to his nomination for the award.
- Hassan Beja: Representing AFC Leopards as a right winger, Beja has consistently impressed fans and coaches alike with his skill and determination.
Other notable nominees included Patrick Odongo and Ben Salem, who were instrumental in helping Kenya Sevens defend the Safari Sevens title, and Rakep Patel, Kenya’s star all-rounder in the 2024 Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League “A”. Joyce Njeru, the first African woman to win the Golden Trail World Series, was also recognized for her accomplishments, as well as Derrick Ogechi from Nairobi City Thunder and Maureen Jepkoech, who won at the Kapsokwony Athletics Kenya Cross Country event.
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LG’s Commitment to Celebrating Kenyan Sports Talent
Speaking at the award ceremony, LG Electronics EA Managing Director Dong Wan Lee expressed the company’s commitment to supporting and celebrating Kenya’s top athletes. “At LG Electronics, we are committed to the empowerment of the communities in which we operate,” he said. “The SPOM Award has, over the last decade, been a key avenue for us to showcase to upcoming generations the importance of talent recognition. We celebrate people like Chepngetich as well as the many other talented sports personalities that were nominated.”
The LG/SJAK SPOM award has grown into a valuable platform for promoting and recognizing Kenyan sports talent, inspiring the younger generation to pursue sports and aspire for excellence.
Ruth Chepngetich’s Path Forward: A Legacy in the Making
Ruth Chepngetich’s October SPOM win is another milestone in her illustrious career. As a three-time winner of the Chicago Marathon and a world record holder, Chepngetich has become a role model and a symbol of resilience for aspiring athletes. Her dedication to her sport and her ability to overcome challenges have made her an inspirational figure in Kenyan athletics and on the global stage.
Her nomination for the World Athletics Out of Stadium Athlete of the Year award is a testament to her growing influence in long-distance running. Chepngetich’s legacy continues to evolve, and her accomplishments not only highlight her individual talent but also elevate Kenya’s reputation in the world of athletics.
