Breaking Barriers: The Impressive Marathons of Kiptum and Assefa

Marathons have always been a test of human endurance, but recently two athletes have pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible. Kelvin Kiptum, a 23-year-old Kenyan runner, and Tigist Assefa, a 26-year-old Ethiopian racer, have both set remarkable world records in their respective events.

Historic Achievements: Kiptum's 2:00.35

Kiptum made history by winning the Chicago Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2:00.35. This result not only broke the 2:01.00 barrier but also potentially broke Eliud Kipchoge’s world record, pending ratification. Kiptum’s achievement marks the first time a runner has officially crossed the 2:01.00 mark in a competitive marathon.

Kiptum expressed his surprise at achieving such a milestone, stating, “A world record was not on my mind today. I knew I was coming for a course record but a world record—I am so happy.” This win showcases the remarkable talent and potential of Kiptum, who only began competing in marathons last year. Prior to this victory, he had already set a London Marathon Record with a time of 2:01.25, placing himself second on the all-time rankings.

Unprecedented Records: Assefa’s 2:11.53

Meanwhile, Tigist Assefa from Ethiopia made headlines with her astonishing performance in the women's division at the BMW Berlin Marathon. Assefa clocked a remarkable time of 2:11.53, setting a new world record and shattering the previous record by an astounding two minutes and eleven seconds.

Assefa's incredible feat is further highlighted by her brilliant negative split, where she ran the first half in a fast 1:06:20 and the second half in a blazing 1:05:33. Her 10K splits only add to the awe of her performance, as each segment before the final 2.195 kilometers to the finish was completed in times that would typically win most 10K races outright.

The Technical Edge: Assefa's Footwear

To achieve such a performance, Assefa wore a pair of adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 racing shoes, which weigh just 138 grams (4.9 ounces) each. These shoes are 40% lighter than any other racing shoes and are currently available for sale at a premium price of $500 on the open market. The incredible lightweight nature of these shoes, combined with Assefa's impeccable running form, contributed to her groundbreaking record.

The Broader Context: A Historical Milestone

The Berlin Marathon saw several impressive times, with nine men running sub-2:05, the most in a single marathon. However, no American man achieved the 2024 Olympic Games qualifying mark of 2:08:10, meaning the United States has no qualifiers yet. The fastest American finisher, Teshome Mekonen, a former Ethiopian, clocked 2:10:16 for 24th place.

Scott Fauble, an American runner, dropped out after 30 kilometers due to a stomach issue, after running the first half in 1:03:46 while attempting to secure an Olympic qualifying mark.

Conclusion

Both Kiptum and Assefa have set records that are likely to be remembered for years to come. Kiptum’s 2:00.35 and Assefa’s 2:11.53 not only pushed the limits of human performance but also inspired a new generation of runners to push their boundaries in marathons around the world. Whether it's the allure of breaking the 2-hour barrier or the pursuit of a world record, these performances demonstrate the endless potential of human endurance.