Peres Jepchirchir after winning women’s marathon at the World Athletics Championships in TokyoPresident William Ruto has congratulated Peres Jepchirchir
for securing gold in a dramatic women’s marathon at the World Athletics
Championships in Tokyo on Sunday.
Taking to social media platform X, Ruto praised Jepchirchir’s resilience and spirit following her breathtaking victory over Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa.
“Well done to Peres Jepchirchir for winning the women’s marathon at the Tokyo World Athletics Championships,” the President posted.
“Your resilience embodies the Kenyan spirit and proves once again that Kenya rules the marathons. Another gold for our nation, another proud moment as you raise our flag high.”
The marathon unfolded as a gripping duel, with Jepchirchir and Assefa neck-and-neck for most of the 42-kilometre course that wound through the streets of Tokyo.
The race reached its climax inside the Japan National Stadium, where the two athletes entered shoulder-to-shoulder, setting the stage for a dramatic sprint finish.
Assefa, a former world record holder, surged ahead on the back straight, but Jepchirchir unleashed a stunning final kick in the last 100 meters to overtake her rival and clinch gold in 2:24:43—just two seconds ahead.
“I am so happy with what I have done in Tokyo,” said an elated Jepchirchir after the race. “It was so hot, so difficult, but I managed it. When I entered the stadium, I got a lot of energy from the fans. I really did not expect to win. It was not my ultimate plan to sprint in the final metres, but when I saw I was 100m from the finish, I just started to kick. I found some hidden energy there.”
The win marks Jepchirchir’s latest triumph on the global stage, adding to her Olympic gold medal from the Tokyo 2020 Games. It also reclaims the women’s marathon world title for Kenya, last won in 2019 by Ruth Chepng’etich.
Ruto said Jepchirchir’s performance not only reinforces
Kenya’s dominance in long-distance running but also stands as a symbol of
endurance and national pride.
