Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir won the London Marathon in a time that set a world record just for women– two hours, sixteen minutes, and sixteen seconds.
Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu, Kenya’s Joyciline Jepkosgei, and world record holder Tigst Assefa all broke the previous women’s only record of 2:17:01, set by Mary Keitany in 2017.
With three of the four fastest women in history racing, the women’s field was regarded as one of the greatest races ever put together. The athletes remained on course to set a record for the women’s only marathon run, meaning that no male competitors were present on the route.
Jepchirchir – grateful
During the duration of the race, Alemu, Assefa, Jepkosgei, and Jepchirchir were the only ones remaining as groups of athletes eventually decreased. They remained together until the final few hundred meters, when Jepchirchir ran for the finish line, enabling the 30-year-old Kenyan to defeat Assefa and win in London for the first time.
Jepchirchir admitted after her win: “I am feeling grateful. I am so happy for the victory. I was not expecting to run a world record – I knew it might be beat but I did not expect it to be me.”
“I knew the history and the ladies were strong. I was working extra hard. My time was lower but I’ve come good today and set a PB… I am so happy to qualify for the Olympics and I feel grateful. I’m happy to be at Paris and my prayer is to be there and run well to defend my title. I know it won’t be easy but I’ll try my best,” she added.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: BCC
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