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Athletes - women

JOAN CHELIMO MELLY / KENYA

Half marathon PB: 1:05:04, Prague 2018

Joan was born in Waunifor, a high-altitude village in Keiyo, Kenya. She has a daughter named Ariana Kechei (meaning - star), and four younger siblings whom she supports by taking care of their education.

Coming from humble beginnings Joan used to sell charcoal door-to-door to support her running and whenever she competes, her thoughts are about Ariana.

Joan is the winner of the 2018 Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon, she ran twice under 1:06:00 and fve times under 1:07:00 in her career. She is a front runner and has no fear when it comes to setting high pace from the opening kilometres.

Her dream is to be an Olympic Champion and she is building her career on the following principle
-- Never forget where you are coming from

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NETSANET GUDETA KEBEDE (ETHIOPIA)

Half marathon PB: 1:05:45, Ras Al Khaimah 2019

Netsanet grew up in the town of Bekoji, Ethiopia and she started with athletics while in school. She comes from the same village as the great champion, Tirunesh Dibaba, with Netsanet understanding early in her career that hard work is mandatory for growth and success.

She joined Bekoji Project Athletics Academy in 2012, with her international debut being in Prague in 2013.

Netsanet is a member of Ethiopian National Team, she is the 2018 IAAF World Half Marathon Champion and is Women’s only World Half marathon record holder with 1:06:11, Valencia 2018.

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VIBIAN CHEPKIRUI / KENYA

Half marathon PB: 1:09:28, Santa Pola 2020
RunCzech Racing

Vibian was born in Ngechek village, a small location inside the Nandi Forest. Her nickname is Stone, because when she was younger she did not want to run with men and was pulling a “stone-face”, not showing any emotions.

At first, she was just running locally to help her family, without hopes or motivation to make it at the International level. In 2018 she had a miscarriage and decided to fght life back by putting all her energy and efforts in running, as our sport became the only thing she had left.

She has three brothers and three sisters, her role model is Mary Keitany and she dreams to run better than her one day. She believes that everything is possible.

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PERES JEPCHIRCHIR / KENYA

Half marathon PB: 1:05:06, Ras Al Khaimah 2017

Peres was born in Kenya, in a small town called Turbo Village near the border with Uganda. Now she lives with her husband in Kapsabet. Her mother passed away when she was only two years old. As a child, Peres was interested in running, however it was her brother who inspired her to start training professionally. She enjoys singing Gospel songs and attending church gatherings.

She is the gold medallist from the 2016 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and is a former half marathon world record holder with 1:05:06, Ras Al Khaimah 2017.

Profile on WorldAthletics.org

   

SHEILA CHEPKIRUI / KENYA

Half marathon PB: debut

Sheila was born in Kiprobonyit village, Bomet County, Kenya. She is the only girl in the family and has three brothers. Her parents are farmers.

She started running in primary school. Nobody coached or mentored her and she used to run 3km
to school and 3km back home every day, barefoot. Nowadays, she is the only woman ever to run
twice under 30 minutes for 10km (Prague 2019 and Valencia 2020).

Her international career started at the age of 15 with a gold medal over 1500m in the 2005 World
Youth Championships in Marrakech.

Sheila is a Corporal in the Kenyan Army. She dreams of being a World record holder one day. Her life motto is -- Never surrender until it is over.

Profile on WorldAthletics.org

   

SENBERE TEFERI SORA / ETHIOPIA
Half marathon PB: 1:05:32, Valencia 2019

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EDITH CHELIMO / KENYA
Half marathon PB: 1:05:52, Cardiff 2017

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DORCAS JEPCHIRCHIR TUITOEK / KENYA
Half marathon PB: 1:06:33, Istanbul 2019

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DORCAS JEPCHUMBA KIMELI / KENYA
Half marathon PB: 1:07:10, Barcelona 2020

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PACEMAKERS

BRENDA JEPLETING (KEN)
Half marathon PB: debut
RunCzech Racing

LILIAN JEPKORIR CHEBII (KEN)
Half marathon PB: debut
RunCzech Racing

Profile on WorldAthletics.org


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