The 2017 London Marathon concluded with a landmark performance as Mary Jepkosgei Keitany finished in 2:17:01, establishing a new world record for a women-only race. This milestone bettered the previous mark by 41 seconds and cemented her status as one of the most consistent long-distance competitors of the modern era, holding numerous road race world bests throughout her professional career.
Early Development and Breakthroughs
Born in Kabarnet, Baringo County, in 1982, Keitany began running while in primary school. By 2002, she had joined the Hidden Talent Academy to focus on her training. Her transition to senior racing occurred in 2006, followed by a silver medal at the 2007 World Road Running Championships. After a hiatus for the birth of her first child, she secured a major victory at the 2009 World Half Marathon Championships in Birmingham, setting a championship record of 1:06:36.
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Keitany maintained high-level consistency across multiple distances in 2010 and 2011. She claimed the Berlin 25 kilometre race in 1:19:53, a world record at the time. In 2011, she achieved a breakthrough at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, clocking 1:05:50 to become the first woman to complete the distance in under 66 minutes on a non-aided course. That same year, she won her first London Marathon title with a time of 2:19:17.
Marathon Achievements and Olympic Competition
Following a successful 2012 season, during which she broke the African record at the London Marathon with a 2:18:37 finish and placed fourth at the London Summer Olympics, Keitany took a sabbatical in 2013 due to pregnancy. She returned to win the New York City Marathon in 2014 and 2016. Her 2017 season was highlighted by her record-breaking London performance and a victory at the TD Beach to Beacon 10k.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 January 1982, Baringo County, Kenya
- 2017 London Marathon time: 2:17:01
- 2011 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon time: 1:05:50
- Primary school start: Kabarnet
- Shoe4Africa foundation school beneficiary: Torokwonin, Baringo County
- 2009 World Half Marathon Championship result: Gold medal
- Husband: Charles Koech
Questions readers ask
What records does Mary Keitany hold?
She set the women-only world record for the marathon in 2017 and previously held world records for the half marathon, 20 kilometres, and 25 kilometres.
Did Mary Keitany win an Olympic medal?
No, she competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she finished in fourth place.
