This archive report was first published on 3 October 2021.
Kenyan athlete Joyciline Jepkosgei made history on October 3, 2021, by winning the London Marathon with a time of 2:17:43. This achievement catapulted her to the seventh fastest woman marathoner in the world.
After a stellar performance in 2019, Jepkosgei had been absent from major global races last year. However, she returned to form in London, outclassing a strong field of Ethiopian women led by Degitu Azimeraw and Ashete Bekere, who finished second and third in 2:17:58 and 2:18:18 respectively.
As the only Kenyan woman in the podium, Jepkosgei helped her compatriots retain the title. She was, however, 42 seconds away from the London course mark set by Mary Keitany in 2017.
Brigid Kosgei, who was in London to defend her 2020 title, had an unlucky day after finishing fourth in the race. Observers say Brigid may not have had adequate time to prepare for the London race, while Jepkosgei appeared well-prepared.
At the 36km mark, Jepkosgei tactically pulled away from a pack of five women and kept the tempo all the way to the tape. Brigid fell back at the 35km mark, ending her hat-trick ambition and leaving Jepkosgei battling for the crown with the two Ethiopian women as well as Israel's Lonah Chemtai Salpeter.
Salpeter, who was born in West Pokot, launched an attack, going neck and neck with Jepkosgei, but lost the momentum in the last six kilometres. Former Beijing marathon champion Valary Aiyabei remained in the leading pack until 1:26 minutes when she was outpaced, settling in sixth place.
In the men's category, Vincent Kipchumba finished second for the second time running, saving the country's blushes and might be accorded another heroic welcome at his home area near the Eldoret International Airport.
