Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei shocked the marathon world in Chicago on Sunday, obliterating a world record that was once considered one of the most untouchable in endurance sports. The 25-year-old broke the tape in Grant Park in 2:14:04, shaving one minute and 21 seconds off of Paula Radcliffe’s previous record, set in London in 2003. She went through the half-marathon in 1:06:59.
Kosgei’s previous marathon PR was 2:18:20, which she set in winning the London Marathon this April. She won last year’s Chicago Marathon in 2:18:35.
Kosgei had to wait nearly six minutes to greet runner-up finisher Ababel Yeshaneh of Ethiopia, who finished in 2:20:51, just four seconds ahead of countrywoman Gelete Burka. Emma Bates was the top American woman, finishing fourth in 2:25:27. Four more Americans rounded out the top 10, including Stephanie Bruce (6th in 2:27:47), Lindsay Flanagan (7th in 2:28:08), Laura Thweatt (2:29:06), Taylor Ward (10th in 2:30:14).
Kenya also took top honors in the men’s race, with Lawrence Cherono out-sprinting Dejene Debela of Ethiopia in 2:05:45. Debela finished just one second back, with countryman Asafa Mengstu taking third in the sprint two seconds later.
Reigning Chicago champ Mo Farah of Great Britain had one of the most disappointing races of his professional career, finishing eighth in 2:09:58.
Riley Jacob was the top American man, finishing ninth in 2:10:36. Three more Americans followed: Jerrell Mock (10th in 2:10:37), Parker Stinson (11th in 2:10:53) and Andrew Bumbalough (12th in 2:10:56).
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