Fresh from winning her first world marathon majors title at the New York City marathon on Sunday, reigning Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir landed at the Eldoret Airport, eecieved with sing and dance and a band from Moi Kapsowar girls.
After closing a season on a high note, the Valencia marathon champion said she had had a successful 2020/2021 season and it is her high time to take a break, as she thinks of the next move next season.
“It has been a good season for me. Both last year and this year’s where I have won in almost all races I have competed in and it will be my time to bond with the family back home,” said Jepchirchir while in the USA after winning her third marathon in all four marathons she has run.
Last year, Jephirchir came from maternity leave to win her second world half marathon title as well as the Valencia marathon.
“My journey has been a success and in all these I owe it to God and the first thing is to give my body time to recover well,” added Jepchirchir.
At the New York City marathon, she won the title in 2:22.39 beating her countrymate Viola Cheptoo Lagat and Ethiopian Ababel Yeshaneh to second and third in 2:22:44 as Yeshaneh clocked 2:24:42 respectively.
She said that it was a wonderful win that she expected following her intense training.
“It was wonderful, winning this marathon. The year has been so great. After winning the Olympic title, I did not expect to win this title. I was well prepared despite the fact that there was limited time before the race,” Jepchirchir said.
With world championships and Commonwealth Games coming next year, Jepchirchir was reluctant to commit to the two championships saying she will be making her announcement next year on her next move.
“For now I want to relax and recover my body. Once I resume my training by next year, I will be in for a better season,” said Jepchirchir.