Tokyo Olympics: Kenya’s Peris Jepchirchir Wins Women’s Marathon

Kenyan long-distance runner Peris Jepchirchir on Saturday won the women’s marathon at the Tokyo Olympics.

Jepchirchir, a two-time world half-marathon champion, bagged the Gold medal after finishing first in 2:27.20 ahead of her compatriot Brigid Kosgey and American Molly Seidel.

“When I was there I said, ‘Wow, I’m going to make it.’ So I pushed the pace because I knew I was going to win. I’m so, so happy because we win as Kenya, first and second … I’m happy, for my family, happy for my country Kenya for supporting us,” Jepchirchir said.

Kosgey, the world record holder in the marathon, crossed the finish line in 2:27.36 while Seidel finished third in 2:27.46.

This was Kenya’s third Gold medal at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. So far Kenya has a total of nine medals, including three golds, 4 silvers, and bronzes.