Peres Jepchirchir is targeting more titles after winning gold at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Jepchirchir, who made history by winning her third world half-marathon title to become the first woman to do so, won gold when she finished the race in 1:07:25, ahead of Margaret Chelimo, who clinched silver in 1:07:26, and Catherine Reline, who won bronze in 1:07:34.

Her immediate focus now is the next run in New York before next year’s participation in the Paris Olympics.

“Next month, I’m going to run the New York City Marathon. I hope I’ll be competing at the Olympic Games next year. That’s my prayer.

“I pray to God for good health to get that chance. I will try my best,” Jepchirchir told World Athletics.

Jepchirchir’s promise

Before winning the gold medal in the Latvian capital, the record holder revealed what she promised her husband.

“I wanted to win three times and make history, and thank God I made it. It was my birthday this week, and I told my husband I would work extra hard to get the win.”

“I am so happy for Team Kenya. I knew we would sweep this off as a team because I trust my colleagues so much. When I saw the tape, I started celebrating,” she said.

Jepchirchir also explained why the Riga Road Championship was special.

“I love it. We used to not have championships on the road, just for the half marathon, but now it’s more special,” she concluded.

Last year, Jepchirchir battled a number of injuries but has been impressive since she made a comeback.

She went on to finish third at the London Marathon before heading to Riga.