Jepchirchir leads country’s bold bid for world glory
By Emmanuel Masinde, August 4, 2025Olympic marathon champion, Peres Jepchirchir, is targeting a fresh milestone as she leads Kenya’s charge at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, on September 14.
The Kapsabet-based runner, despite her already glittering career, is yet to claim a world title in the marathon, a gap she hopes to fill this year. She is banking on solid training and preparation to deliver.
“I thank God my preparations are going on well. This will be my first time running the marathon at the World Championships, and I’m praying for strength to be on the podium,” said Jepchirchir.
At the Paris Summer Olympic Games last year, Jepchirchir entered as one of the favourites but ultimately finished in 15th place, crossing the line in 2:26:51. She later cited the hot weather and a hilly course as major factors that hindered her performance, calling it a disappointing defence of her Olympic title.
“My last competition was during the Olympic Games last August,” she said.
Jepchirchir has a gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where she clocked 2:27:20, and is also a two-time world half-marathon champion.
In 2023, she reaffirmed her dominance on the half-marathon circuit by winning gold at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, clocking 1:07:25 to claim her third global half-marathon title.
Later that year, she finished third at the London Marathon, running a strong 2:18:38 against a fierce field that included Sifan Hassan and Megertu Alemu.
In 2024, Jepchirchir’s resilience paid off in dramatic fashion.
In a powerhouse women’s elite line-up in London, she surged ahead in the final kilometres to win in a blistering 2:16:16, smashing the women-only world record previously held by Mary Keitany (2:17:01 in 2017)
“I thank God for being in Team Kenya. I look forward to doing my best,” said the New York City Marathon champion.
Jepchirchir’s inclusion brings immense experience to Team Kenya. She will be joined by Jackline Cherono and Magdaline Masai, both of whom earned their places with strong performances over the past year. Veteran runner Vivian Jepkemei Cheruiyot has been named as the reserve athlete for the women’s marathon team.
Kenya has a proud legacy in distance running, and with Jepchirchir aiming to add a World Championships gold to her Olympic title, the Tokyo marathon is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated races of the championships.
Team Kenya will be relying on depth, experience, and teamwork as they seek to reclaim dominance on the global stage.