Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir will be lining up in the streets of the USA in search of her maiden World Marathon Majors (WMM) title at the New York City marathon this Sunday.
The two time world half marathon champion will be up against top Kenyan marathoners like Nancy Kiprop, Viola Cheptoo Lagat among others on the course.
With defending champion Joyciline Jepkosgei out of the race after winning London marathon last weekend, Jepchirchir has been favoured to lift the title as having good form in recent days.
Jepchirchir said she is a satisfied lady after achieving her targets for the year, which included competing at the Olympics and the world’s largest marathon.
“I had prioritised the Olympic Games as well as New York City Marathon and all have come to pass. Tokyo was my first priority whereas New York was the second. My plan was to compete in New York if I had missed out on the marathon Olympics team,” Jepchirchir said.
Recalling her feat in Japan, the reigning Valencia Marathon champion admitted it was one of her most difficult races.
“I had only competed in two marathons (Saitama), where I made her debut and Valencia) but I had never felt the pain I felt after the race in Tokyo. I think it is because of the hot weather in Japan. It was a tough race but I have taken enough rest and I am ready for another challenge,” she said
Making her Olympic debut, Jepchirchir won gold after timing 2:27.20, ahead of compatriot, Brigid Kosgei (2:27.36) and the American Molly Seidel (2:27.46) in second and third respectively
The former Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon champion still wants to break the women’s marathon world record, currently held by Kosgei at 2:14.04.