Kenya’s Perez Jepchirchir became the fastest runner in the half marathon

Perez Jepchirchir made history as the world’s fastest female half marathon runner after setting a record time at the Running Czech Half Marathon in Prague.

Perez covered the distance in 1:05:34. She broke the previous record of 1:06:11, which was set by Netsanet Gudeta of Ethiopia at the 2018 World Half Marathon Championships. And this was not Jepchirchir’s first record.

The beginning of her career and her first successes

In February 2017, the athlete showed the best result at the mixed – both men and women compete – half marathon in Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates, covering a distance of 21.1 kilometers in 1:05:06.

Perez became interested in running when she was still at school – at the time, the young runner was inspired by the achievements of Mary Keitany, a Kenyan athlete who at the time held the world record for the half marathon.

The athlete began running races in 2013 at the age of 20. Her professional running career began with two 10-kilometer wins in South Africa and a third-place finish at the Kisumu Marathon in her native Kenya.

In 2014, Jepchirchir decided to switch to cross-country: that same year she managed to get a silver medal at the Kenya Cross Country Championships, her first serious win at the national level.

Perez’s abilities were noticed by the team of Gianni Demadonna, a famous Italian runner who specialized in cross-country. Then the girl began to be invited to larger international level races. By the end of 2014 in France, the athlete won three races in a row.

Half marathon in Prague and a new world record

As Perez told in an interview with “Championship”, she started preparing for the September race back in February. Although at that time her goal was the Boston Marathon, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Perez: I had to change my system a little bit. In the last days before the start I felt great, I knew I was well prepared, but of course I was a little bit worried. Just waiting for things to happen.

The Czech Half Marathon was more than successful for the athlete: she managed to cover the distance in the shortest time and set a new world record. According to the athlete, the new adidas adizero adios pro played a major role in her victory.

Perez: After the race I was even more excited because I knew I had run well. I had set a women’s record and when I realized that, I was insanely happy. Winning was my life’s goal. When I was running, I listened only to my body, my sensations and I knew I could only rely on myself.

And to everyone who wants to overcome the first distance or maybe set a new record, I want to say: believe in yourself and work on yourself – then everything will work out.