Fresh from a commanding victory at the Tokyo World Championships, Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir is setting her sights on the Valencia Marathon, slated for December 7 in Spain.
The 32-year-old marathon queen made headlines last month by clinching gold in Tokyo, stopping the clock at 2:24:43. In a dramatic finish, Jepchirchir edged out Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who settled for silver in 2:24:45, while Uruguay’s Julia Paternain claimed bronze in 2:27:23.
A Return to Familiar Ground
Valencia holds a special place in Jepchirchir’s career. In 2020, she conquered the same course with a stunning time of 2:17:16, ahead of compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei (2:18:40) and Helalia Johannes of Namibia (2:19:52).
Now, buoyed by her world title, the 2020 Olympic champion believes she’s primed for more history.
I thank God for the world title. I am the former women’s-only marathon record holder, but that was broken by Assefa. I am aiming to bring back home my women’s-only record
Jepchirchir She previously held the women’s-only marathon world record with a time of 2:16:16, set at the 2024 London Marathon. However, Assefa broke that mark in April, running 2:15:50 on the same course.
A Decorated Career
Jepchirchir’s trophy cabinet speaks volumes. In addition to her Olympic gold, she has claimed major titles including:
- 2021 New York Marathon (2:22:39)
- 2022 Boston Marathon (2:21:01)
- 2024 London Marathon, where she set her previous record (2:16:16)
Her victory in Tokyo adds to a glittering legacy that cements her status among the greats.
Stiff Competition Ahead
While Jepchirchir enters Valencia as the favourite, the race is far from a formality. She’ll face a highly competitive field, headlined by Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso, the 2023 world marathon champion.
Beriso is no stranger to the Valencia course—she triumphed here in 2022, clocking a blistering 2:14:58 ahead of Letesenbet Gidey (2:16:49) and Sheila Chepkirui (2:17:29). However, her form has dipped this season, finishing fifth at the 2024 Boston Marathon with 2:21:58.
Also returning is Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2021 London Marathon winner, who’s enjoying a strong year. Highlights include:
- Victory at the Barcelona Half Marathon (1:04:14)
- Second place at the 2024 London Marathon (2:18:44)
- Fourth place in the Copenhagen Half Marathon (1:06:22)
Conclusion
With champions past and present converging on Valencia, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in marathon history. Whether it’s Peres Jepchirchir’s bid to reclaim her record, Amane Beriso’s redemption arc, or a surprise breakout star, December 7 promises elite-level racing at its finest.
