Crossing the finish line of the 2024 London Marathon in two hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds, Peres Jepchirchir established a new world record for the fastest women-only marathon performance. This achievement marked the latest milestone for the Kenyan athlete, who has consistently dominated international long-distance road racing circuits since she began her professional career.
Early Development in Kenya
Born in 1993 in Turbo, Kenya, Jepchirchir grew up among 28 siblings. Following the death of her mother when she was two, she was raised by an uncle in Kamagut. As a member of the Kalenjin people, she began running during her school years, influenced by the career of Mary Keitany. Financial limitations forced her to leave high school at age 18, leading her to pursue competitive running as a professional path.
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Jepchirchir transitioned to competitive road races in 2013, securing initial victories in South Africa and a third-place finish at the Kisumu Marathon. Her potential was identified by the team of Gianni Demadonna, which opened doors to European competition. By 2014, she achieved consecutive wins in France, including the Le Lion Half Marathon and the Marseille-Cassis Classique Internationale. Her breakthrough at the championship level occurred in 2016, when she won the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships in 67:31 minutes.
Records and Olympic Success
The athlete has set multiple benchmarks in road running. At the 2017 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, she set world records in both the half marathon at 65:06 and the 20K distance at 61:40. Her performance at the 2020 Summer Olympics resulted in a gold medal in the marathon. She subsequently became the first individual to secure Olympic gold and the New York City Marathon title within the same calendar year, following her 2021 victory in New York.
Major Marathon Victories
Beyond her Olympic success, Jepchirchir has maintained a high competitive standing in major marathons. She secured a win at the 2022 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:21:02. Despite an injury that prevented her participation in the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, she returned to the podium at the 2023 London Marathon with a third-place finish, before setting her women-only world record at the 2024 edition of the same race.
Fast facts
- Born: 27 September 1993, Turbo, Kenya
- Sport: Long-distance running
- Olympic Gold: 2020 Tokyo (Marathon)
- 2024 London Marathon time: 2:16:16
- Half marathon personal best: 1:05:06
- Notable early win: 2016 World Half Marathon Championships
Questions readers ask
What is the women-only world record set by Peres Jepchirchir?
It is the record for the fastest marathon time by a female runner without using male pacemakers, which she set at the 2024 London Marathon.
Did Jepchirchir compete in rowing?
No, she is a long-distance and marathon runner; there is no record of her involvement in rowing.