Who has the marathon world record? What was the previous marathon world record?

The world of marathon running witnessed a historic moment on October 8, 2023, when Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, a Kenyan long-distance runner, made headlines by setting a new marathon world record. But who holds this prestigious record, and what was the previous world record? Let’s dive into the remarkable achievements of Kelvin Kiptum and the marathon records that have captivated the running world.

Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, born on December 2, 1999, in the Keiyo District of Kenya, has etched his name in the annals of marathon history. At just 23 years of age, Kiptum achieved something truly extraordinary—he became the marathon world record holder. What makes his feat even more remarkable is that he is the only person in history to complete a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute in a record-eligible race.

On that memorable day in Chicago, Kiptum shattered the previous marathon world record set by another Kenyan legend, Eliud Kipchoge. Kipchoge’s record, a testament to his incredible talent and dedication, had stood as a benchmark for marathon runners around the globe. However, Kiptum’s performance at the 2023 Chicago Marathon was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Kelvin Kiptum completed the marathon in an astounding 2 hours and 35 seconds, a staggering 34 seconds faster than Kipchoge’s previous world record. This remarkable achievement not only solidified Kiptum’s status as one of the world’s top marathon runners but also demonstrated the incredible potential within the sport.

It’s important to note that the world of marathon running recognizes two distinct categories of world records. The first is the marathon world record for men, which Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot now holds at an astonishing 2:00:35, as of October 8, 2023. The second category is the marathon world record for women, which currently stands at 2:14:04, held by Brigid Kosgei of Kenya.

Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot’s historic achievement in the Chicago Marathon of 2023 has propelled him into the record books as the marathon world record holder for men, breaking Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record. With an exceptional time of 2:00:35, Kiptum has set a new standard for marathon excellence. As the running world celebrates this incredible feat, it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of human endurance and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport of marathon running.