Breaking In: Gladys Chepngetich Makes History with Record-Breaking 800m Run for Clemson Track & Field
Over the weekend, Clemson University’s track & field program witnessed a moment of greatness as star middle-distance runner Gladys Chepngetich delivered a performance for the ages. Running a blistering 1:59.68 in the women’s 800 meters, Chepngetich not only set a new school record, but also etched her name into the history books as just the third woman in collegiate history to record multiple sub-2:00 times in the outdoor 800m.
Her achievement represents more than just an athletic milestone—it signals the rise of a world-class competitor and further establishes Clemson as a program that can produce elite-level performances on the national and international stages.
Chepngetich, a native of Kenya, has been building momentum all season, but this weekend’s performance took her to a new level. Known for her smooth stride and fierce competitive drive, she executed the race with precision—staying poised through the first lap before unleashing a powerful final 200 meters to break the two-minute barrier for the second time this season.
While sub-2:00 performances are already rare in collegiate athletics, doing it more than once places Chepngetich in legendary territory. She now joins an exclusive club of all-time greats who have managed to combine consistency, endurance, and speed at the highest level of the sport.
“It’s an incredible achievement,” said Clemson head coach Mark Elliott. “Running under two minutes once is special. Doing it twice in the same season—that’s elite. Gladys has shown she’s one of the best in the country, and she’s only getting better.”
The 800 meters is considered one of the most challenging events in track & field, demanding both tactical intelligence and raw athleticism. Chepngetich has mastered the balance of aggressive racing and measured pacing, a key to her back-to-back sub-2:00 showings. Her 1:59.68 now stands as the fastest 800m time in Clemson history and ranks among the top performances nationally this season.
For Clemson, Chepngetich’s rise is a shining example of the growth and strength of the Tigers’ track program. Over the past few years, Clemson has been building a reputation as a breeding ground for top-tier middle-distance and distance athletes. Gladys’ record-breaking run puts an exclamation point on that progress.
“This is a huge moment not only for Gladys, but for Clemson track & field,” said Elliott. “It shows that our program is ready to compete with the best. We’re proud of her, and we know this is just the beginning.”
With the postseason rapidly approaching, all eyes will be on Chepngetich as she prepares for the ACC Championships and, beyond that, the NCAA Outdoor Championships. A national title is well within reach, and the way she’s trending, she may even challenge for a spot on Kenya’s Olympic team.
In an era where collegiate track is more competitive than ever, Gladys Chepngetich has separated herself from the pack. Her ability to deliver historic performances, stay consistent, and raise the standard at Clemson makes her not just a school record-holder—but a name to remember in the future of the sport.
From Clemson to the world stage, Gladys Chepngetich is running into history—one electrifying 800 meters at a time.
