Who is Sheila Chepkirui? All about the Kenyan runner who defeated Hellen Obiri to win New York City Marathon 2024

Sheila Chepkirui is a Kenyan runner who won the women's event of the New York City Marathon 2024. She defeated her compatriot Hellen Obiri to win the first World Major marathon event of her career.

Chepkirui clocked a run-time of 2:24:35 to beat Obiri by a narrow margin of 14 seconds. Obiri eventually grabbed second place in 2:24:49 while Vivian Cheruiyot followed suit in third place with a run-time of 2:25:21. The 2024 event was also the Kenyan's first-ever New York City Marathon.

Following her victory in the race, Chepkirui opened up about the efforts she had to make during the last miles of the race. She said (via ESPN):

"In the last mile, it was really hard. I pushed myself. This means that my training has been good. I'm so happy. I pushed myself to the limit."

This victory was also the Kenyan's first marathon victory in her 2024 track season. On this note, let's learn more about the 2024 New York City marathon winner, Sheila Chepkirui.

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Sheila Chepkirui's family and hometown

Chepkirui (right) during the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham (Image via: Getty Images)

Chepkirui was born in Kericho County's Kipchimchim on Dec 27, 1990. Information about her family and parents is not available on the web.

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Sheila Chepkirui's training and educational details

Chepkirui during the 2023 BMW Berlin Marathon (Image via: Getty Images)

As per "Nation Africa" the Kenyan athlete trains in her hometown of Kipchimchim. However, information about Chepkirui's high school and collegiate details is not in the public domain.

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Sheila Chepkirui's other achievements

Chepkirui (in front) during the 10,000m event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games (Image via: Getty)

Over the course of her career, Chepkirui has won some important laurels for her country. She won the 5000m event at the 2016 African Championships during which she also clocked a then-championship record run-time of 15:05.45.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the Kenyan athlete clinched a bronze medal in the 10,000m event with a run-time of 31:09.46. Chepkirui also produced impressive performances at the 2016 African Cross Country Championships. She clinched second place in the senior race of the event and won a gold as a part of the team event.

Last year during the BMW Berlin Marathon, Chepkirui clocked a time of 2:17:49 to clinch a second place during the event. Her other achievements in her career include winning a gold and a bronze medal at the World Youth Championships in 2005 and 2007 respectively.