Kenyan Peres Jepchirchir shatters women's-only world record in London Marathon

In a stunning display of athleticism and determination, Kenyan runner Peres Jepchirchir not only clinched victory at the London Marathon but also established a new women’s-only world record in the process.

The event, held on Sunday witnessed Jepchirchir’s remarkable feat as she surged ahead to secure both a historic win and a crucial step towards defending her Olympic gold medal.

Clocking an impressive time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds, Jepchirchir’s performance not only secured her first place but also set a new benchmark for women-only marathons, surpassing the previous record set by Mary Keitany in 2017.

The 30-year-old athlete’s victory was a testament to her strength and endurance, leaving competitors Tigst Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei trailing behind in second and third place respectively.

Reflecting on her achievement, Jepchirchir expressed surprise at her record-breaking time, emphasizing her focus on Olympic preparations. “I was trying to work extra hard to defend my title in the Olympics,” she stated, highlighting the significance of the London Marathon as the final qualifying race for Kenya’s Olympic team selection.

This triumph marked a significant moment for Jepchirchir, particularly after finishing third in last year’s London Marathon. Her ability to outpace competitors in the final stretch signaled a boost in confidence ahead of the upcoming Paris Olympics. “For me, when I reach 800 meters (left), it’s difficult to defeat me,” she confidently remarked.

In a double victory for Kenya, Alexander Mutiso Munyao claimed the men’s title with an impressive time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 1 second, reinforcing Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running.

The marathon also paid tribute to Kelvin Kiptum, last year’s champion who tragically passed away in February at the age of 24, adding a poignant note to the day’s events.