Peres Jepchirchir Sets New World Record in London, UK – April 21, 2024 – Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir clinched victory at the London Marathon’s elite women’s race, breaking the women’s-only world record with an astounding time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 16 seconds. The Kenyan runner, regarded as one of the greatest female distance runners in history, crossed the finish line with arms raised in triumph, outpacing a highly competitive field to secure her spot in marathon lore.
Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir broke the women-only world record to add the 2024 TCS London Marathon title to her glittering array of honours on Sunday, winning a fast and frantic four-way fight for the line between some of the fastest women in history.
The London Marathon was billed as one of the toughest races to win, even more challenging than the Olympic marathon gold in Paris. The elite women’s race did not disappoint, with a fast and furious four-way battle for the top spot. Despite the fierce competition, Jepchirchir’s performance was unmatched. She shattered the previous women’s-only record set by Mary Keitany in 2017 by a remarkable 45 seconds.
The race featured a group of elite runners who were capable of breaking the record, but it was Jepchirchir who emerged victorious, beating Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, the reigning world record holder, in a thrilling sprint to the finish. Former winner Joyciline Jepkosgei, also from Kenya, secured third place.
Women’s Elite Race Top 10 Finishers
| Pos | Name | Country | Runner Number | Predicted Finish | Diff | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peres Jepchirchir | KEN | 66 | 02:16:16 | +00:00 | 02:16:16 |
| 2 | Tigst Assefa | ETH | 61 | 02:16:23 | +00:07 | 02:16:23 |
| 3 | Joyciline Jepkosgei | KEN | 68 | 02:16:24 | +00:08 | 02:16:24 |
| 4 | Megertu Alemu | ETH | 65 | 02:16:34 | +00:18 | 02:16:34 |
| 5 | Brigid Kosgei | KEN | 62 | 02:19:02 | +02:46 | 02:19:02 |
| 6 | Sheila Chepkirui | KEN | 69 | 02:19:31 | +03:15 | 02:19:31 |
| 7 | Tigist Ketema | ETH | 64 | 02:23:21 | +07:05 | 02:23:21 |
| 8 | Yalemzerf Yehualaw | ETH | 67 | 02:23:26 | +07:10 | 02:23:26 |
| 9 | Ruth Chepngetich | KEN | 63 | 02:24:36 | +08:20 | 02:24:36 |
| 10 | Tsige Haileslase | ETH | 70 | 02:25:03 | +08:47 | 02:25:03 |
Speaking to BBC Sport after the race, Jepchirchir expressed her surprise at breaking the world record and her happiness over the victory. “I’m so happy for today’s victory. I was not expecting to run a world record. I knew it would be run, but I was not expecting it to be me,” she said. Despite the other race favorites having quicker personal bests, Jepchirchir’s determination and hard work paid off. “I worked extra hard,” she added.
Jepchirchir’s focus now turns to the upcoming Olympic marathon in Paris, where she aims to defend her title. “I’m happy to be in Paris for the Olympic marathon. My prayer is to be there, and my prayer is to run good and defend my title,” she said.
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Peres Jepchirchir’s record-breaking victory at the London Marathon solidifies her legacy as one of the most talented and determined female marathon runners of all time. Her performance will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of athletes to push their limits and reach for greatness.
