Jepchirchir was recently crowned the women-only marathon record holder after winning the London Marathon in 2:16:16 breaking the earlier record of her compatriot Mary Keitany of 2:17:01.
In the next few weeks, she is set to defend her title at the Olympic Games in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11. She admits that it is not an easy task.
Jepchirchir seamlessly balances her life between the demands of motherhood and the rigorous discipline of being a top-tier athlete. Her journey is a testament to resilience and dedication.
The 30-year-old, who trains in Kapsabet, Nandi County, pays tribute to her family, whom she said has been a pillar.
"My journey has been a tough one, but I believe this has inspired many young mothers. I want to tell them not to give up but to continue pushing themselves to the limit."
“Having achieved the titles I have in a few years, I must mention my family because without their support, I wouldn’t have reached where I am now,” she says.
She believes her good performance since she started running has inspired upcoming athletes and society.
“My journey has been a tough one, but I believe this has inspired many young mothers. I want to tell them not to give up but to continue pushing themselves to the limit,” she says.
She was inspired by retired marathoner Mary Keitany, who was then a World Half Marathon champion.
Jepchirchir has represented Kenya in various events, and she bagged her first gold medal in the 2016 World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff before winning another gold medal at the Gdynia World Half Marathon Championships. She won again at the 2023 games after the World Athletics introduced the World Road Running Championships.
In her marathon journey, Jepchirchir first emerged victorious at the 2021 New York Marathon before winning the 2022 Boston Marathon race.
In the 2023 season, she took third place in the London Marathon before pulling out of competition due to injury, which forced her to miss the 2023 World Championships and the New York Marathon race.
After her 2024 win at the London Marathon, she is looking forward to retaining her title in Paris.
– By Bernard Rotich
