Moms on the Run National Fitness Director, Olympian Carrie Tollefson, has the awesome privilege to sit in the broadcasting booth for many national and international events, the latest being the 2023 Chicago Marathon this past weekend.
She had a front-row seat Oct. 8 when Kenya’s Kelvin Kiptum set a new World Record with a time of 2:00:35, besting Eliud Kipchoge’s previous record by 34 seconds. On the women’s side, she saw Sifan Hassan clock in at 2:13:38 — the second fastest women’s time ever.
Four other champions set new course records. A highlight was witnessing two-time Olympian Des Linden break a new American Masters record of 2:27:35.
“It was a super fun weekend,” shared Carrie, who summarized her experience for us. “I have now been on two race calls in Chicago when the world records were set. Back in 2019 when Brigid Kosgei set it, recently broken two weeks ago in Berlin by Tigst Assefa, and then on Sunday when I witness a 23-year-old man run 2:00:35 seconds. We knew Kelvin Kiptum was special when, in his first two marathons he edged close to Eliud Kipchoge’s 2:01:09, but to break it by over 30 seconds in his third marathon is amazing. Will we see a sub 2:00 marathon now? I believe so!”
She continued, “I enjoyed being a part of the broadcast, announcing the champions, and seeing and hearing from a few of our members who ran. Way to go and congrats to everyone who ran!”