A time of 2:20:14 remains the personal best for Priscah Jeptoo, a professional long-distance runner from Nandi County, Kenya. Specializing in the marathon, she has secured victories in major international competitions, including London, Paris, Turin, and New York.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Jeptoo entered top-level athletic competitions in 2008. Her initial success began in 2009 with victories at the Douro-Tal Half Marathon and the Corrida Festas Cidade do Porto 15K. Her marathon debut occurred later that year in Porto, where she established a course record of 2:30:40.
Global Championship Success
The year 2011 served as a significant period of advancement. Jeptoo won the Paris Marathon in 2:22:55, a performance that reduced her previous best time by over four minutes. Shortly after, she claimed a silver medal at the World Championships in Athletics in Daegu. This event saw a Kenyan sweep of the podium, with Jeptoo finishing behind Edna Kiplagat and ahead of Sharon Cherop. She concluded that year by setting a course record at the Saint Silvester Road Race.
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In 2012, Jeptoo achieved a time of 2:20:14 at the London Marathon, earning third place and a position on the Kenyan Olympic team. At the London Olympics, she secured the silver medal in the marathon with a time of 2:23:12. In 2013, she achieved victory at the London Marathon and won the New York City Marathon with a time of 2:25:07. That same year, she placed second at the RAK Half Marathon, recording a time of 66:11, which positioned her third on the all-time list.
Injury and Recovery
After withdrawing from the 2014 London Marathon due to a leg injury, Jeptoo returned to competition at the Seven Hills Run in Nijmegen, Netherlands. She completed the 15 km road race in 46:59, making her the fourth-fastest athlete at that distance.
Personal Life and Affiliations
Jeptoo is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, having been introduced to the denomination by athlete Abel Kirui at a training camp. She is married to a fellow member of the church. Together with Abel Kirui and Amos Tirop Matui, she founded an organization known as the Better Living Marathon.
Fast facts
- Born: 26 June 1984, Nandi County, Kenya
- Primary specialty: Marathon
- Personal best marathon time: 2:20:14
- 2012 Olympic Games: Silver medalist
- 2011 World Championships: Silver medalist
- Notable marathon wins: London, New York, Paris, Turin
- Church affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist
Questions readers ask
What is Priscah Jeptoo's fastest marathon time?
Her personal best marathon time is 2:20:14, set at the 2012 London Marathon.
Did Jeptoo win a medal at the 2012 London Olympics?
Yes, she won the silver medal in the women's marathon with a time of 2:23:12.
