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The 2022 Boston Marathon champion was preparing for the New York City Marathon when she was summoned to compete in Riga and she couldn't turn down the request.
Three-time World Half Marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has disclosed the reason why she chose to run the Half Marathon at the World Road Running Championships despite the event not being on her to-do list for 2023.
The Olympic champion was training for the New York City Marathon when she was summoned to represent the country at the global showpiece.
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08:12 - 05.10.2023
ATHLETICS Ferdinand Omanyala's documentary set for release over the weekend
Africa's fastest man is not resting on his laurels and is utilising his off-season very well.
She was going to defend her title in the Half Marathon and due to her love for the country, she could not refuse.
In an interview, Jepchirchir said: “I’m loyal to my country so when I was told I’m going to defend my title, I could not refuse because I was representing my country.”
She indeed donned the Team Kenya jersey at the event and successfully managed to defend her title. She also made history at the event, becoming only the fourth woman to bag the half marathon title three times.
Other women who have achieved that feat include her compatriot Tegla Loroupe, Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, and the Netherlands’ Lornah Kiplagat.
Jepchirchir’s finishing kick saw her take gold in 1:07:25, closely followed home by compatriot Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi in 1:07:26, with Catherine Reline Amanang’ole completing a 1-2-3 for Kenya in 1:07:34.
She now resumes training for the New York City Marathon where she also intends to take the top honours. She was the winner at the event in 2019 and she will be hoping to replicate the same performance, having knowledge of the course.
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05:00 - 05.10.2023
ATHLETICS Good news for Beatrice Chepkoech, Faith Cherotich and co as serial threat considers switching from steeplechase
Kenya’s steeplechase runners led by world record holder Beatrice Chepkoech could breathe a sigh of relief if their track rival makes good on her promise of trying out other races
The 2022 Boston Marathon champion is also aware of the strong field that awaits her but she is bullish about her chances of winning.
“I know it will not be easy since the field is strong but I am going to do my best there,” she said.
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