Peres Jepchirchir, the Kenyan Olympic champion, outran Ethiopian world record holder Tigst Assefa in the last stages of the 2024 London Marathon in an incredible feat of skill and willpower. Her remarkable accomplishment cemented her position in history.
Crossing the finish line in an impressive time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds, Jepchirchir not only claimed victory but also shattered the women’s-only world record, a remarkable feat accomplished without the assistance of male pacers. This outstanding accomplishment surpassed the previous record set by Kenya’s Mary Keitany in 2017.
In a fiercely competitive race, Assefa secured the second position with a commendable time of 2:16:23, closely followed by Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, who finished third.
Despite facing challenging weather conditions, including gusty winds from the north, the runners persevered. The initial race strategy aimed for female pacers to guide the lead pack to the halfway mark in 1:07:30, maintaining a swift pace. However, the pace quickened as the lead pack of nine women surged through the 10K mark at an impressive speed.
As the race progressed, the intensity increased, leading to a reduction in the size of the lead pack. By mile 18, only four runners remained in contention: Assefa, Jepkosgei, Jepchirchir, and Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu. Despite facing their slowest segment between the 30K and 35K marks, the remaining contenders remained determined, with the course record slipping out of reach.
In a thrilling finish, with just over 800 meters remaining, Alemu attempted to surge ahead, only to be matched by her competitors. It was a pivotal moment as Jepchirchir made a decisive move, propelling her to victory and surpassing her previous personal best by an impressive margin.
Jepchirchir’s victory not only earned her the winner’s title but also a well-deserved prize of $55,000. Assefa claimed second place, securing a prize of $30,000, while Jepkosgei finished third, earning $22,500.
Jepchirchir’s remarkable comeback from injury adds a compelling narrative to her victory, potentially influencing the selection process for the Kenyan Olympic team. Expressing her aspirations to defend her title in Paris, she remains optimistic about her future prospects.
Peres Jepchirchir’s extraordinary performance at the 2024 London Marathon not only solidifies her status as a formidable athlete but also embodies the spirit of resilience and determination in the pursuit of greatness.
Women’s Race Results
1. Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) 2:16:16
2 Tigist Assefa (ETH) 2:16:23
3 Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:16:24
4 Megertu Alemu (ETH) 2:16:34
5 Brigid Kosgei (KEN) 2:19:02
6 Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) 2:19:31
7 Tigist Ketema (ETH) 2:23:21
8 Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) 2:23:26
9 Ruth Chepngetich (KEN) 2:24:36
10 Tsige Haileslase (ETH) 2:25:03
