Kenya’s Ruth Chepng’etich effortlessly wrote her name in history by obliterating the previous world record. Last Sunday, at the Chicago Marathon, Chepng’etich crossed the finish line in an astonishing 2:09:56. The 30-year-old Kenyan smashed the previous record of 2:11:53 set by Ethiopia’s Tigist Assefa. Moreover, with this record, Chepng’etich also wore another crown as she became the first woman in history to break the 2:10 barrier.

But alongside the wins and achievements, a recent revelation from Ruth Chepng’etich has made her victorious stride even more memorable. The Kenyan track star has stated that she has achieved the greatest feat of becoming the world record without the assistance of a coach. Yes, you read that right! Kenyan world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich has not received professional training from the beginning of her career.

Sitting for an interview after smashing the world record at the Chicago Marathon, Chepng’etich revealed how she has taken control of her training since the start of her professional career. “Me, as Ruth Chepngetich, I don’t have a coach. I am self-coached,” stated the athlete when asked who her coach is and for how long she has been training under them. Without the assistance of a professional coach, she has taken herself to the highest pedestal with her peak performance.

But there’s even more, which makes her journey even more intriguing. Chepng’etich’s approach to training is as unique as her race-day achievements. She trains with a group of pacemakers in Ngong, Kenya, and relies on her instincts, discipline, and experience to prepare for the big stage. In the present scenario, such a self-coached journey is nearly unheard of in elite athletics. And this has evidently stirred a conversation among fans of the online world.

Ruth Chepng’etich’s record-shattering marathon win left fans in awe, sparking debate and discussion 

Although fans are left amazed by the record-breaking stance of the Kenyan star, few are also questioning her victory. Fans, on one hand, are reflecting on the winning streak maintained by Kenyans in marathons. On the other hand, netizens are also tracking down the fact that several Kenyan athletes have faced doping bans.

One fan threw light on Ruth Chepng’etich’s extraordinary achievement of breaking the marathon world record without the guidance of a mentor. They added, “Incredible!! Her determination and discipline is quite intriguing.” In most sports now, elite athletes typically rely on professional training. Going against the tide, Chepng’etich’s victory is highly unusual. Moreover, she did not only just compete but shattered the records by a considerable margin.

Reflecting on Chepng’etich’s unusual achievement, one X user expressed their excitement. The netizen also raised skepticism about how she was able to set such a remarkable record without a coach. Their comment read, “Thrilled for her Personally but… Everyone is questioning how as we have another stunning endurance record achieved along with continuously improving records of the past 5 years in endurance sports. Better nutrition, training, equipment, or ???” The user shed light on Chepng’etich’s feat, which is part of an ongoing broader trend of rapidly improving endurance records in recent years. Referring to the same, the fan tried to speculate the reasons behind these advancements.

Another commenter added that Ruth Chepng’etich’s self-coaching approach reflects a mindset similar to that of renowned athletes like Eliud Kipchoge. The X user commented, “It’s always been like that as well. I thought it was common knowledge. She’s on the same mentality wavelength as Kipchoge and every other great athlete you can think of. All her career she’s had incredible mental strength”. The fan’s comment highlighted the fact that Chepng’etich’s win was possible not just with talent and physical prowess but also because of her psychological resilience. The commenter aligned her with other greats in the sport because this kind of mental fortitude is essential in elite athletics, which paves the way to victory.

Speaking on a similar note, another track fan talked about Ruth Chepng’etich’s agent. The user further linked him to two high-profile women marathoners who were caught doping. “She has an agent. Who happens to be the same agent as the two highest-profile women’s marathoners ever busted for doping”, mentioned the netizen. Such a debate might land the athlete in trouble. Despite Chepng’etich being self-coached, her connection to such an agent has raised questions within the track and field community about the legitimacy of her record-breaking performance.

Chepng’etich shattered the world record at the 2024 Chicago Marathon with a stunning 2:09:56, making it her third win in Chicago. Meanwhile, the men’s race followed suit, with John Korir of Kenya taking the title in a tight pack of contenders. Chepng’etich’s triumph was even more extraordinary considering she did it without a coach, solidifying her place in marathon history. Amid such a debate surrounding Chepng’etich’s non-coached win, it’s undeniable that her extraordinary world record, achieved without a coach, truly solidified her place in marathon history.