Not only with talent, but also with confidence and a professional attitude she demonstrates a perfect example of what the RunCzech Racing Team strives to become.

Joyciline was scouted by Ikaika Sports staff in early 2016, and invited to become a part of RunCzech Racing and the adidas Marathon Athlete Developed Project. “I was a very young athlete, didn’t even know how to run, with no manager, no training facilities. But RunCzech Racing Team with my manager supported me a lot to make where I am now. To make 4 World records (editor’s note: pending ratification – 10K, 15K, 20K, half marathon) is not mine alone, but teamwork,” – shared Jepkosgei.

Showing good progress in training and local competitions, she was given a chance to make her international debut in the 2016 Mattoni Karlovy Vary Half Marathon. She exceeded expectations with her winning margin of 1 min 48 sec, and set an event record and personal best of 1:09:07. “It was my first time to travel to Europe. The people in the Czech Republic were very nice and friendly, so I had to run well,” – smiles Jepkosgei, recalling her first international experience.

With no break in training, Joyciline continued to race during the summer season of 2016. She made the Kenyan team for the IAAF African Championships and earned a bronze medal in the 10,000m, losing only to her two compatriots and improving her personal best to 31:28.28.

Returning to the Czech Republic in September she had her first attempt to follow the world record pace without intending to do so, pushed by Violah Jepchumba during the 2016 Birell Prague Grand Prix. Violah won the 10K race in 30:24 missing the world record by only three seconds, while Joyciline finished second with a personal best of 31:08.

The beginning of 2017 was highlighted for Jepkosgei by a podium place in the RAK Half marathon, where Peres Jepchirchir improved the world record in the half marathon by three seconds. Joyciline managed to follow the world record pace up to 15 km, and finished strong in third place, improving her personal best by almost 3 minutes to 1:06:08.

Less than three months later she improved the world record becoming the first woman ever to break the 65 min barrier. “My training after the RAK half marathon was good. Even my coach, Nicholas Koech, told me, that I will run sub 65, but I didn’t believe him. I still can’t believe, I made it,”- said Jepkosgei at the press conference.

„Struggle every day. And one day you will be a winner“.

Joyciline Jepkosgei is sharing her emotions at the video here.

Watch the whole online broadcast of the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon 2017 here.