Jepchirchir eyeing Olympic gold in Paris after London triumph

Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir  says she was not expecting to break the women’s marathon record  yesterday in London, which she won  in 2:16:16.

The field for the women's race was considered one of the best ever assembled with three of the four fastest women in history competing.

The 30-year-old Kenyan came home in front of world record holder Tigst Assefa and Joyciline Jepkosgei to break the record mark without male pacemakers.

Jepchirchir's time smashed the women's-only course record of 2:17:01 set by compatriot Mary Keitany in 2017.

Retired British star Paula Radcliffe ran a time of 2:15:25 in a mixed-sex marathon in London in 2003, using male pacemakers.

"I was not expecting to run a world record. I knew it could come but I did not expect to be the one breaking it.

"I'm so happy to qualify for the Olympics and I feel grateful. I'm happy to be at Paris and my prayer is to be there and run well to defend my title. I know it won't be easy but I'll try my best," said Jepchirchir.

“It is the best way of preparing for the Olympics in which I hope to defend my title. We have a very strong team and I'm sure with team work and proper preparations we will be victorious," the soft spoken Jepchirchir added.

Jepkosgei said she was comfortable to have made the podium, revealing Jepchirchir is an inspiration to her.

“She has been an inspiration to us, she has mentored us always sharing what we need to do to become great runners. I'm sure with discipline and hard work we will get there," stated Jepkosgei.