The women-only world record held by Peres Jepchirchir was eventually confirmed because

World Athletics has finally recognized Peres Jepchirchiri’s women-only world record, which she established during the London Marathon in April.

In the English capital, Jepchirchir of Kenya raced 2:16:16 to cut the record for the women-only world marathon by 45 seconds.

Breaking Mary Keitany’s seven-year-old women-only world mark of 2:17:01 was the main goal, and the Londn Marathon field on April 21 was generally seen as one of the deepest and highest-quality women’s fields ever constructed.

Ultimately, Jepchirchir was the one to achieve it. Seven women had remained in the pack as they reached the half-way point in 1:07:04 – the second-fastest half-way split ever recorded in London and a mark that put them on schedule to smash the record by almost three minutes.

Jepchirchir went on to win in 2:16:16, finishing seven seconds ahead of Tigist Assefa. Joyciline Jepkosgei was third (2:16:24) and Megertu Alemu fourth (2:16:34), making it the first marathon in which four women finished inside 2:17.

It was a major statement for the Olympics champion who will head to the Paris 2024 Games full of confidence that she can retain her title despite the tough competition expected.