The Kenyan's previous best was also set in Berlin back in 2018 – he managed to shave 30 seconds off that time in setting the new record on Sunday.
Kipchoge last raced in March when he fell short of the record by a little over a minute in Tokyo, but he emphatically got the job done as he ran through Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and jubilantly crossed the line.
"I am happy with my preparation and I think I was so fast because of the teamwork. Everything is down to teamwork," he said shortly after his momentous victory.
"What motivates is my family I and I want to inspire young people. Sport unites people and that is what motivates me."
Kipchoge is the only man to complete a marathon in under two hours, achieving the feat in Vienna three years ago on a specialist track.
It is not deemed an official record as the time was not set in official competition, but it is seemingly felt Kipchoge could potentially achieve such a time in a legitimate race given he took 30 seconds off the record, and that is where questioning soon went.
Asked if he will try a sub-two hour marathon in Berlin in 2023, Kipchoge replied: "Let us plan for another day.
"I will celebrate this record and have to realise what happens. Just roll and see what happens."
In the women's race, Tigist Assefa was victorious with a time of 2:15:37, which is the third-quickest women's marathon in history.
The 39-year-old has raced just seven times since October 2019 and said he felt his track career was over after being beaten by club runner Ellis Cross at the Vitality London 10,000 in May.
Having suffered from discomfort in his right hip, Farah revealed he would miss the London Marathon – which he finished third in four years ago – on Wednesday but aims to compete next year.
"I've been training really hard over the past few months and I'd got myself back into good shape and was feeling pretty optimistic about being able to put in a good performance," Farah said.
"However, over the past 10 days I've been feeling pain and tightness in my right hip. I've had extensive physio and treatment and done everything I can to be on the start line, but it hasn't improved enough to compete on Sunday.
"I wish everyone taking part on Sunday a good run and I hope to be back out there with you in April 2023."
Chepngetich, a three-time Chicago Marathon champion, became the first woman to officially break the 2:10 barrier, an incredible milestone that will go down in history. She revealed that the drive to give her daughter a better life has fueled her desire to succeed at the highest level.
“I am pushing so much because my daughter is motivating me to work harder. Now she is in Form One, so I should work hard for her to study,” Chepngetich shared. “Mothers always have a lot to do, so it is not easy. Our children are motivating us to work harder so that we show them the way and how life goes.”
Chepngetich’s commitment to being a positive role model for her daughter is paralleled by the inspiration she draws from Fraser-Pryce, a Jamaican sprinting icon who has continued to excel on the world stage while balancing motherhood. The Kenyan marathoner expressed her admiration for Fraser-Pryce’s longevity and resilience.
“Shelly-Ann motivates me and inspires me to do a lot,” she said. “She started her career a long time ago before me, so I am following in her footsteps to run for a long time like her and smart.”
Fraser-Pryce’s influence has been profound, not just on Chepngetich but also on other African athletes, including Faith Kipyegon, the three-time Olympic 1500m champion and world record holder, and Ivorian sprinter Marie-Josée Ta Lou. Both have publicly acknowledged the impact of the Jamaican sprinter on their own careers.
As a self-coached athlete, Chepngetich’s performance in Chicago was nothing short of phenomenal. Her marathon splits of 64:16 and 65:40 were unmatched by any of her competitors, with Ethiopia’s Sutume Kebede finishing a distant second in 2:17:32.
With her Chicago victory and world record now in the history books, all eyes will be on Chepngetich as she prepares for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. As she continues to balance the roles of world-class athlete and mother, she’ll carry the motivation and inspiration from her daughter and Fraser-Pryce, two forces that have driven her to unprecedented heights in the marathon world.
Kenyan member of parliament Gideon Kimaiyo confirmed the pair’s death in a statement on X.
Mr Kimaiyo said: “It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Kelvin Kiptum, the world marathon record holder, and his coach in a tragic accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road.
“Kelvin Kiptum was at the prime of his career, a legend in his own right. It’s a tough one to take.
“Our thoughts are with their families during this incredibly difficult time. The people of Keiyo South are saddened by this loss. May their souls rest in eternal peace.”
Kiptum, 24, set a new world record of two hours and 35 seconds at the Chicago Marathon in October last year.
He also won the London Marathon in 2023 with a record time of two hours, one minute and 25 seconds.
The organisers of the London Marathon said on X: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear the terrible news of the death of marathon world record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
“The thoughts of everyone at the TCS London Marathon are with Kelvin’s and Gervais’ family and friends.”
World Athletics president Seb Coe said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the devastating loss of Kelvin Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana.
“On behalf of all at World Athletics, we send our deepest condolences to their families, friends, teammates and the Kenyan nation.
“It was only earlier this week in Chicago, the place where Kelvin set his extraordinary marathon World Record, that I was able to officially ratify his historic time.
“An incredible athlete leaving an incredible legacy, we will miss him dearly.”
At the 2022 Valencia Marathon, Kiptum set the record for the fastest debut marathon in history, crossing the line in a course record of two hours, one minute and 53 seconds.
He was due to compete at the Rotterdam Marathon in April, which would have been his first event since setting the world record.
