Meet Peres Jepchirchir, the distance runner who broke the women's only world record at the London Marathon 2024

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir once again stole the spotlight as she became the fastest runner in the women's only race at the 2024 London Marathon. The Olympic Champion clocked a stunning 2 hours 16 minutes and 16 seconds to win the women's elite race at the event.

Jepchirchir held off marathon world record holder Tigst Assefa for the huge victory. The Ethiopian clocked 2:16:23 for 2nd place, which made her the second fastest in women's only races.

Last year, Jepchirchir finished third in the London Marathon but set a new personal best this season.

Speaking with BBC Sport, the 30-year-old claimed that she wasn't expecting to run so fast but was feeling grateful for the achievement.

"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," she said.

The Kenyan also secured a qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics where she will look to defend her title. Jepchirchir secured the gold medal in the women's marathon at the Games four years ago, achieving an impressive time of 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 20 seconds.

She has vowed to give her all in Paris and might even break another record soon:

"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."

Peres Jepchirchir's family and hometown

Peres Jepchirchir grew up in Western Kenya in a family of 24 kids. Her family was polygamous and grew maize and tea for survival.

When did Peres Jepchirchir take up the sport?

Peres Jepchirchir had to run 3-5 kilometres each day to and from school, and with age, she got inspired by the marathon legend, Mary Keitany. Jepchirchir started competing in road races in 2013.

Achievements of Peres Jepchirchir

2024 TCS London Marathon

Peres Jepchirchir rose to international fame after winning the 2016 World Half Marathon Championship in 67 minutes and 31 seconds. She was also part of the title-winning Kenyan team.

Jepchirchir clocked an impressive 2:27:20 to win the gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She received the medal from the legendary Thomas Back. The 30-year-old has won the World Major Marathons thrice now. She won the New York Marathon in 2021 in 2:22:39 and clocked 2:21:02 at the Boston Marathon 2022 for victory.

Jepchirchir won the World Half Marathon championship in 2020 as well. Her time of 1:05:06 set during the 2020 Half Marathon championships is a former world record.