A bronze medal at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Athletics established Sharon Cherop as a notable distance runner early in her career. Born on 16 March 1984 in Kenya, she transitioned from early track successes in the 5000 metres to become a highly competitive marathon runner on the international circuit, eventually winning the Boston Marathon.
Early Development and Junior Competition
Raised in the Marakwet District of Kenya, Cherop developed her running abilities alongside her three siblings. She attended Tirap Primary School and began province-level competition at age 13. Her introduction to international stages occurred at the 1999 All-Africa Games, where she finished fourth. In 2000, she secured a bronze medal in the 5000 metres at the World Junior Championships. Her training progressed under coach Boniface Tiren at Sing'ore Girls, though a knee injury disrupted her performance schedule in 2001.
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By 2005, Cherop shifted her focus toward road competitions. She placed third at the Kenya Police Cross Country Championships and finished as runner-up in the half marathon section of the Nairobi Marathon. During this period, she trained with established athletes like Evans Rutto and Lameck Aguta. She made her marathon debut in 2007 at the Twin Cities Marathon, finishing third in 2:38:45 after leading for much of the race.
Professional Breakthroughs
Cherop achieved significant gains in 2010. She won the Hamburg Marathon with a time of 2:28:38 before improving further at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon. Her 2:22:42 finish in Toronto established a record for the fastest marathon time on Canadian soil. In 2011, she secured a bronze medal at the World Championships in Athletics in Daegu, contributing to a historic Kenyan podium sweep alongside Edna Kiplagat and Priscah Jeptoo.
Major Victories and Career Records
In January 2012, Cherop set her personal best marathon time of 2:22:39 at the Dubai Marathon. She followed this performance by winning the 2012 Boston Marathon, narrowly defeating Jemima Sumgong in a sprint finish with a time of 2:31:50. Despite these achievements, she did not earn a spot on the 2012 Kenyan Olympic marathon team. Her career continued with notable wins at the Philadelphia Half Marathon and the Turin Marathon.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 March 1984, Kenya
- Primary event: Marathon
- Marathon personal best: 2:22:39
- 2012 Boston Marathon winning time: 2:31:50
- 2011 World Championships result: Bronze medal
- Training location: Iten, Kenya
Questions readers ask
What is Sharon Cherop's personal best in the marathon?
Her personal best is 2:22:39, set at the 2012 Dubai Marathon.
Did she win the Boston Marathon?
Yes, she won the Boston Marathon in 2012 with a time of 2:31:50.
