Earlier today, Ruth Chepngetich ran 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon, becoming the first woman to break 2:10. Here are a few fun facts in the wake of Chepngetich’s mark.
Men’s equivalent marathon performance, according to World Athletics: 1:59:35
Chepngetich’s average pace per mile: 4:57.4
Chepngetich’s average pace per 5K: 15:24.0
Chepngetich’s average pace for one lap of a standard outdoor track: 73.92 seconds
Amount by which Chepngetich broke Tigist Assefa’s previous record of 2:11:53: 1 minute, 57 seconds
Place that 2:09:56 would have finished in today’s men’s race: 10th
Number of U.S. men who have run faster than 2:09:56 this year: 4
Chepngetich’s halfway split: 64:16
Number of women besides Chepngetich who have run faster than 64:16 in an open half marathon: 3
Average of Chepngetich’s three fastest marathons: 2:12:57
Number of women who have run one marathon faster than 2:12:57: 1
Scott is a veteran running, fitness, and health journalist who has held senior editorial positions at Runner’s World and Running Times. Much of his writing translates sport science research and elite best practices into practical guidance for everyday athletes. He is the author or coauthor of several running books, including Running Is My Therapy, Advanced Marathoning, and Meb for Mortals. Scott has also written about running for Slate, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and other members of the sedentary media. His lifetime running odometer is past 110,000 miles, but he’s as much in love as ever.
