**2019 World Athletics Championships – Women’s Marathon**
**Definition**
The women’s marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships was a long-distance running event held on October 28, 2019, in Doha, Qatar. It featured elite female marathon runners from around the world competing for the world title under challenging climatic conditions.
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## 2019 World Athletics Championships – Women’s Marathon
The women’s marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships was a premier long-distance running competition held in Doha, Qatar, on October 28, 2019. This event was part of the 17th edition of the World Athletics Championships, organized by World Athletics (formerly IAAF). The race was notable for its extreme weather conditions, which significantly influenced the athletes’ performances and strategies. The marathon course was designed to minimize heat exposure, and the event was scheduled at midnight to mitigate the impact of high temperatures and humidity.
### Background
The World Athletics Championships is a biennial event that brings together the world’s best track and field athletes. The marathon, a 42.195-kilometer road race, is one of the most grueling events in athletics, testing endurance, strategy, and resilience. The 2019 edition was held in Doha, Qatar, a city known for its hot desert climate, which posed unique challenges for endurance athletes.
Due to the extreme heat and humidity typical of Doha, the organizers made the unprecedented decision to hold the marathon events at midnight. Despite this, temperatures remained high, with readings around 30°C (86°F) and humidity levels exceeding 70%, conditions that are considered hazardous for marathon running.
### Venue and Course
The marathon course was set along the Corniche, a waterfront promenade in Doha, providing a flat and fast route. The course consisted of multiple loops to cover the full marathon distance, allowing for better logistical support and medical assistance. The route was designed to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and to facilitate hydration and cooling stations.
### Participants
The women’s marathon featured 68 athletes representing 39 countries. The field included reigning champions, Olympic medalists, and top-ranked marathon runners from around the world. Notable entrants included Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya, who was the favorite after winning the 2019 Dubai Marathon; Rose Chelimo of Bahrain, the defending world champion; and Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia, a former world champion and Olympic medalist.
### Race Conditions
Despite the midnight start, the race was run under challenging environmental conditions. The temperature hovered around 30°C with high humidity, creating a heat index that made the race particularly demanding. These conditions led to a slower pace compared to typical championship marathons and increased the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Athletes and coaches had to adjust their strategies, focusing on hydration, pacing, and heat management. Medical teams were on high alert, and several runners required assistance during and after the race.
### Race Summary
The race began with a cautious pace as the athletes sought to conserve energy in the oppressive heat. Early leaders included Ruth Chepngetich and Rose Chelimo, who set a steady tempo. As the race progressed, the field gradually thinned due to the harsh conditions.
At the halfway mark, the leading pack consisted of a small group of runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, and Bahrain. Ruth Chepngetich maintained a strong position, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen.
In the final stages, Chepngetich surged ahead, breaking away from her competitors. She maintained her lead to cross the finish line first, securing the gold medal. Rose Chelimo finished second, earning the silver medal, while Valary Jemeli Aiyabei of Kenya claimed the bronze.
### Results
| Position | Athlete | Country | Time |
|———-|———————–|———|————|
| 1 | Ruth Chepngetich | Kenya | 2:32:43 |
| 2 | Rose Chelimo | Bahrain | 2:33:46 |
| 3 | Valary Jemeli Aiyabei | Kenya | 2:34:43 |
The winning time of 2:32:43 was significantly slower than typical championship marathon winning times, reflecting the impact of the extreme weather conditions.
### Impact and Significance
Ruth Chepngetich’s victory marked a significant achievement in her career, establishing her as one of the leading marathon runners globally. The race highlighted the challenges of hosting endurance events in extreme climates and prompted discussions about athlete safety and event scheduling in future championships.
The 2019 women’s marathon underscored the importance of adapting race strategies to environmental conditions and the resilience required to compete at the highest level under adverse circumstances.
### Records and Statistics
No world or championship records were set during the race due to the difficult conditions. The winning time was among the slowest in the history of the World Athletics Championships women’s marathon, emphasizing the impact of heat and humidity on performance.
### Aftermath and Legacy
Following the 2019 championships, World Athletics reviewed protocols for marathon and race walking events in hot climates. The experience in Doha influenced future decisions regarding event timing, hydration strategies, and athlete health monitoring.
The race also contributed to the growing recognition of the need for climate considerations in global sporting events, particularly as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather conditions.
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**Meta Description:**
The women’s marathon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha was held under extreme heat and humidity, with Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya winning gold in challenging conditions.