A time of 2:09:56 at the 2024 Chicago Marathon established a new global standard, making the Kenyan athlete the first woman to break the 2:10 barrier in the distance. This performance surpassed the previous record held by Tigst Assefa by nearly two minutes, marking a significant milestone in long-distance running history.
Early Development and Breakthrough
Born on 8 August 1994 in Kericho, Kenya, the runner attended Sigowet Primary School and Momoniat Secondary School. Her professional career gained momentum in 2018 at the Istanbul Marathon, where she finished in 2:18:35. This performance set a course record and stood as the seventh fastest time in history at that time, establishing her as a prominent figure in international athletics.
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At the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, she secured a gold medal in the marathon. Competing in extreme heat, she finished in 2:32:43. This victory represented the slowest winning time in the history of the women's event at the championships. Earlier that year, she achieved a course record of 2:17:08 at the Dubai Marathon.
Half Marathon and Major Victories
In April 2021, she set a world record in the half marathon in Istanbul with a time of 1:04:02, surpassing the previous record by 29 seconds. Later that year, she claimed victory at the Chicago Marathon, finishing in 2:22:31. She continued this success in 2022 by winning in Nagoya with a time of 2:17:18 and defending her Chicago title in 2:14:18.
Regulatory Action and Doping Admission
Following her 2024 world record, questions emerged regarding performance improvements, which were attributed by her team to specific carbohydrate mixes and shoe technology. In April 2025, she faced a positive test for the prohibited substance hydrochlorothiazide. She later admitted to the violation, resulting in a three-year suspension issued by the Athletics Integrity Unit, backdated to the time of her initial testing.
Fast facts
- Born: 8 August 1994, Kericho, Kenya
- Marathon world record: 2:09:56
- Half marathon personal best: 1:04:02
- World title: 2019 Doha
- Suspension: Three years starting April 2025
- Substance: Hydrochlorothiazide
Questions readers ask
What is her personal best in the marathon?
Her personal best is 2:09:56, set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Why was she suspended from competition?
The Athletics Integrity Unit suspended her for three years after she tested positive for the banned substance hydrochlorothiazide.
