Jepchirchir wins World Half title in another Kenyan sweep

Peres Jepchirchir (centre) celebrates with her Kenyan teammates at a past race. Jepchirchir on Friday, February 10, 2017 set the world half marathon record after winning the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon in a time of 1 hour, 05 minutes and 06 seconds. PHOTO | FILE |

Peres Jepchirchir won this year’s women’s World Half Marathon title in 1 hour, 07 minutes and 31 seconds in Cardiff Wales on Saturday.

Jepchirchir, 22, who was making her second appearance ever for Kenya after failing to finish the 2014 Africa Cross in Kampala, started a 1-3 finish for Kenya as she edged out Cynthia Limo in the last 50m.

Limo, who was making her maiden appearance for Kenya returned settled for silver three seconds off the pace as the 2014 World Half silver medallist Marcy Wacera settled for bronze this time around in 1:07:54.

It was sweet revenge for Jepchirchir, who had lost to Limo at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon last month. Limo won with Jepchirchir finishing fourth.

Gladys Chesir and 2012 World Half bronze medal lost Pascalia Jepkorir finished sixth and seventh in 1:08:48 and 1:09:44 respectively to ensure that Kenya retained the team title.

Jepchirchir now joins the likes of Kenyans Tegla Loroupe, Mary Keitany, Florence Kiplagat and Gladys Cherono, who have won the title.