Mary Jepkosgei Keitany
Keitany at the 2011 New York City Marathon
Personal information
Born (1982-01-18) 18 January 1982
Kabarnet, Baringo County, Kenya
Weight42 kg (93 lb)
Sport
CountryKenya
SportAthletics
EventMarathon
RetiredSep. 2021
Achievements and titles
Personal bests
Medal record
Women's athletics
Representing  Kenya
World Half Marathon Championships
Gold medal – first place2007 UdineTeam
Gold medal – first place2009 BirminghamIndividual
Gold medal – first place2009 BirminghamTeam
Silver medal – second place2007 UdineIndividual
World Marathon Majors
Gold medal – first place2011 LondonMarathon
Gold medal – first place2012 LondonMarathon
Gold medal – first place2014 New YorkMarathon
Gold medal – first place2015 New YorkMarathon
Gold medal – first place2016 New YorkMarathon
Gold medal – first place2017 LondonMarathon
Gold medal – first place2018 New YorkMarathon
Silver medal – second place2015 LondonMarathon
Silver medal – second place2017 New YorkMarathon
Silver medal – second place2019 New YorkMarathon
Bronze medal – third place2010 New YorkMarathon
Bronze medal – third place2011 New YorkMarathon

Mary Jepkosgei Keitany (born 18 January 1982) is a Kenyan former professional long distance runner. She is the world record holder in a women-only marathon, having won the 2017 London Marathon in a time of 2:17:01. As of November 2022, she placed fifth on the world all-time list at the marathon and eleventh on the respective world all-time list for the half marathon.

Her former half marathon best of 1:05:50 (2011) remained the women's world record for three years . She also has held world bests at 10 miles (50:05 minutes), 20 kilometres (1:02:36), and 25 kilometres (1:19:53), all of which were set in road races. In August 2018, she was honored by the Shoe4Africa foundation who funded and built the Mary Keitany Shoe4Africa school in Torokwonin, Baringo County, Kenya.[1] She and her husband Charles sit on the Shoe4Africa school board.[2]

Career

Born in Kabarnet, Baringo County, Keitany started running while in primary school. In 2002, she joined the Hidden Talent Academy.

2006

In January, she placed 21st in her first senior race at the Shoe4Africa 5 kilometre women's race.[3]

2007

She won a silver medal at the World Road Running Championships, finishing second to Lornah Kiplagat who broke the world record.[4]

2009

After a year out due to pregnancy, she returned to competition at the World 10K Bangalore in May.[5] She set a new personal best but finished one second behind winner Aselefech Mergia.[6]

In September, she won the Lille Half Marathon with a finish time of 1:07:00, which was the seventh fastest of all-time.[7]

This performance qualified her for the World Half Marathon Championships in Birmingham, where she outpaced Aberu Kebede to win her first world championship, set a new personal best of 1:06:36, and broke the championship record. She won a second gold medal as part of the winning Kenyan squad in the team competition. Reflecting on the win, she noted, "It's my best ever time, so I'm so happy.... I had a baby just 1 year and 3 months ago." Her 15 kilometre interval time, 46:51 minutes, was faster than the world record of 46:55 held by Kayoko Fukushi of Japan; however, Keitany's time was not ratified as a new world record because of the lower elevation of the 15 kilometre mark compared to the race start.[8] Her time was the second fastest ever in the half marathon (after Lornah Kiplagat). The half marathon time was a new African record, with the previous record of 1:06:44 hours set by Elana Meyer of South Africa in 1999. Keitany also beat the previous Kenyan record of 1:06:48 that she set in Udine two years earlier.[9] The director of the New York City Marathon, Mary Wittenberg, suggested that she could become a world-beater over the full marathon distance in the coming years.[5]

2010

She won the Abu Dhabi Half Marathon.[10]

She also won the Berlin 25 kilometre race, setting a new world record of 1:19:53 hours. The previous record was set by Mizuki Noguchi of Japan in 2005. Keitany finished almost five minutes ahead of runner-up Alice Timbilili.[11]

In preparing for the New York City Marathon, she won the Portugal Half Marathon in Lisbon in September, leading from the front to win largely uncontested in a time of 1:08:46.[12]

In her debut at the New York City Marathon, she was among the leading three for much of the race but faded to finish third in a time of 2:29:01 hours.[13]

2011

Keitany began the year in record-breaking form as she won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon with a world record time of 1:05:50 hours. This marked the first time a woman had run the distance in under 1:06 hours on a non-aided course. She also set other records along the way, including a world record of 1:02:36 for 20 kilometres and world best times for 8 kilometres and 10 miles.[14]

She then won the London Marathon in a time of 2:19:17, pulling away from the field at the 14-mile mark and becoming the fourth fastest woman ever over the marathon distance.[15]

In September, she won the Portugal Half Marathon for the second time and improved upon her own course record with a winning time of 1:07:54 hours.[16]

She was the pre-race favourite for the New York City Marathon, where she built a significant lead by the halfway point (running at more than four minutes faster than the course record). She slowed dramatically, however, in the second half of the race and was overtaken by Firehiwot Dado and Buzunesh Deba, leaving her in third place with a finishing time of 2:23:38 hours.[17]

2012

She intended to improve her world record mark at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon, but windy conditions slowed her to a finish time of 1:06:49 hours.[18]

At the London Marathon, she broke Catherine Ndereba's African record with a winning time of 2:18:37 hours and became the third fastest woman ever at this distance.[19]

At the Summer Olympics in London, she ran a fast pace among the lead pack until the 41 kilometre mark, where she fell behind to finish fourth.[20]

2013

She announced her pregnancy at the start of 2013 and skipped that year's competitions.[21]

2014

On 2 November, Keitany battled with eventual second-place finisher Jemima Sumgong to win the New York City Marathon in a time of 2:25:07.[22]

2015

At the London Marathon, Keitany was one of the "Fantastic Four" of Kenyans (consisting of Keitany, Edna Kiplagat, Florence Kiplagat, and Priscah Jeptoo) who were expected to win the race and possibly challenge Paula Radcliffe's course record (and women's world record). Down the last stretch of the race, Keitany battled Ethiopian Tirfi Tsegaye, with Keitany finishing second in 2:23:40 hours, 18 seconds behind winner Tigist Tufa from Ethiopia.[23] Keitany remarked after the race that she was affected by the wind and cold weather.[24]

2016

Keitany won the New York City Marathon in 2:24:26 hours. Sally Kipyego finished second (2:28:01), with Molly Huddle in third (2:28:13). Keitany won the 2016 Bix 7 Road Race in Davenport, Iowa in 35:18 and set the course record for women.

2017

In April, Keitany won the London Marathon, setting a new world record (women only) at 2:17:01 hours.[25] She bettered Radcliffe's record by 41 seconds, which she set at the 2005 London Marathon. Tirunesh Dibaba finished second, 55 seconds behind.[26] (Radcliffe has run a faster time in a mixed gender event, but that is a separate record.) Her 1st half marathon split time was 1:06:54 hours.[27]

Earlier in February the same year, Keitany finished the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon second (1:05.13) after Peres Jepchirchir, whose 1:05:06 finish time set a new world record. The third, fourth, and fifth-place finishers (Joyciline Jepkosgei, Jemima Sumgong, and Tirunesh Dibaba) also set new personal bests.[28]

She won the TD Beach to Beacon 10k on 5 August 2017 in a course record time of 30:41 minutes. She improved the cr set at last year's run.[29]

Keitany did not compete at the World Championships in London.[30]

On 10 September 2017, Keitany won the 2017 Great North Run in 1:05:59, 20 seconds off her course record from 2014.[31]

On 5 November 2017, she finished second at the New York City Marathon at a time of 2:27:54.

2018

On 4 November 2018, Keitany won the New York City Marathon in a time of 2:22:48,[32] a time just 17 seconds off the course record. For the first half she needed 75:30 and the second 66:58, in a women-only race. Her 10 km interval times were 37:07, 35:02, 31:33, 31:47 and 7:19 for the last 2.195 km. Keitany's time between km 25 and km 35 was 30:53. Vivian Cheruiyot was the runner up in 2:26:02, and the previous year's winner Shalane Flanagan was in third place with 2:26:22.[33]

2019

Keitany came second at the New York City Marathon behind half marathon world record holder and debutante Joyciline Jepkosgei in 2:23:32.[34]

Retirement

Mary Keitany announced her retirement on 22 September 2021 aged 39 years.[35] Her retirement was occasioned by a hip injury she suffered during the 2019 London marathon, which restricted her training and performance.[36]

Personal life

She is married to another runner Charles Koech and gave birth to her first child, Jared, in June 2008,[37] and her second child, Samantha, in April 2013. She stopped training and other sporting activities at the third month of pregnancy, and resumed when the babies were six months old.[38] She trains in Iten, is managed by Gianni Demadonna.[39]

Major competition record

Representing  Kenya
YearCompetitionVenuePositionEventNotes
2007 World Road Running Championships Udine, Italy 2nd Half marathon 1:06:48 NR
2009 World Half Marathon Championships Birmingham, United Kingdom 1st Half marathon 1:06:36 AR
2012 Olympic Games London, United Kingdom 4th Marathon 2:23:56
World Marathon Majors
2010 New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 3rd Marathon 2:29:01
2011 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 1st Marathon 2:19:19
New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 3rd Marathon 2:23:38
2012 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 1st Marathon 2:18:37 AR
2014 New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 1st Marathon 2:25:07
2015 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 2nd Marathon 2:23:40
New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 1st Marathon 2:24:25
2016 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 9th Marathon 2:28:30
New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 1st Marathon 2:24:26
2017 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 1st Marathon 2:17:01 WRwo
New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 2nd Marathon 2:27:54
2018 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 5th Marathon 2:24:27
New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 1st Marathon 2:22:48
2019 London Marathon London, United Kingdom 5th Marathon 2:20:58
New York Marathon New York, NY, United States 2nd Marathon 2:23:32
Road races
2006 Seville Half Marathon Seville, Spain 1st Half marathon 1:09:06
São Silvestre Olivais 10K Lisbon, Portugal 1st 10 km 33:06
2007 Almeria Half Marathon Almeria, Spain 1st Half marathon 1:13:02
Ivry-sur-Seine Humarathon Paris, France 1st Half marathon 1:08:36
Puy-en-Velay 15K Puy-en-Velay, France 1st 15 km 50:10
Lille Half Marathon Lille, France 1st Half marathon 1:08:43
2009 Lille Half Marathon Lille, France 1st Half marathon 1:07:00
Delhi Half Marathon New Delhi, India 1st Half marathon 1:06:54
2011 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 1st Half marathon 1:05:50 WR
2016 Beach to Beacon 10K Cape Elizabeth, ME, United States 1st 10 km 30:45 CR
2017 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 2nd Half marathon 1:05:13
Beach to Beacon 10K Cape Elizabeth, ME, United States 1st 10 km 30:41 CR
2018 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates 2nd Half marathon 1:04:55

World Marathon Majors results

World Marathon Majors2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
Tokyo Marathon---------
Boston Marathon---------
London Marathon-1st1st--2nd9th1st5th5th
Berlin Marathon---------
Chicago Marathon---------
New York Marathon3rd3rd--1st1st1st2nd1st2nd

Personal bests

DistanceTimeDateCityNotes
1500 metres 4:29.7 13 June 2003 Nairobi, Kenya
5000 metres 16:29.4h 29 June 2006 Nairobi, Kenya
10,000 metres 32:18.07 17 May 2007 Utrecht, Netherlands
10 km 30:41 5 August 2017 Cape Elizabeth, ME, United States
15 km 50:10 1 May 2007 Le Puy-en-Velay, France
Half marathon 1:04:55 9 February 2018 Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates
25 km 1:19:53 9 May 2010 Berlin, Germany World best
30 km 1:39:11 17 April 2011 London, United Kingdom
Marathon 2:17:01 23 April 2017 London, United Kingdom Wo World record

References

  1. ↑ Tanser, Toby (12 August 2018). "Real Life Heroine". Daily Nation. Retrieved 12 August 2018.
  2. ↑ Gearhart, Sarah (2 November 2019). "How Mary Keitany Went From Maid to Marathon Champion". New York Times. Retrieved 2 November 2019.
  3. ↑ Edwards, Myles (13 October 2011). "A Brief Chat With Mary Keitany". Runners World. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "Marathoner Keitany savours state award". Daily Nation. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  5. 1 2 Powell, David (11 October 2009). "Marathon beckons for Keitany – World Half Marathon, Birmingham". International Association of Athletics Federations. Archived from the original on 14 October 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2009.
  6. ↑ Krishnan, Ram. Murali (31 May 2009). "Merga and Mergia take thrilling 10km victories in Bangalore". International Association of Athletics Federations. Archived from the original on 23 July 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2009.
  7. ↑ Turner, Chris (7 September 2009). "Keitany powers to 67mins clocking in Lille Half Marathon". International Association of Athletics Federations. Archived from the original on 14 October 2009. Retrieved 11 October 2009.
  8. ↑ Turner, Chris (11 October 2009). "Frustration turns to delight for Keitany – WOMEN's RACE REPORT – World Half Marathon, Birmingham". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  9. ↑ IAAF: Top List (as of 11 October 2009)
  10. ↑ International Association of Athletics Federations, 8 January 2010: Fast wins for Keitany and Regassa in Abu Dhabi Half
  11. ↑ Wenig, Jorg (9 May 2010). "Kosgei, Keitany shatter 25Km World records in Berlin – Updated". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  12. ↑ Fernandes, António Manuel (26 September 2010). "Tola and Keitany romp to Half Marathon victories in Lisbon". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  13. ↑ Dunaway, James (7 November 2010). "Gebremariam and Kiplagat cruise to New York victories". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  14. ↑ Hutchings, Tim (18 February 2011). "Keitany smashes Half Marathon World record in Ras Al Khaimah – UPDATED". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  15. ↑ Brown, Matthew (17 April 2011). "Mutai and Keitany dominate and dazzle in London". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  16. ↑ Fernandes, Antonio Manuel (25 September 2011). "Keitany smashes race record in Lisbon". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  17. ↑ Morse, Parker (6 November 2011). "G. Mutai smashes course record, Dado the surprise women's winner in New York". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  18. ↑ Hutchings, Tim (17 February 2012). "Keitany wins but records blown off course in windy RAK Half Marathon". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  19. ↑ Brown, Matthew (22 April 2012). "Kipsang and Keitany claim London titles for Kenya". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  20. ↑ Turner, Chris (5 August 2012). "London 2012 – Event Report – Women's Marathon". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  21. ↑ "Athletics-Kenyan runner Mary Keitany expecting second child". Reuters. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
  22. ↑ "TCS NYC Marathon Overall Women Results". TCS NYC Marathon. 19 November 2013. Retrieved 2 November 2014.
  23. ↑ Virgin Money London Marathon Leaderboard. Retrieved on 26 April 2015.
  24. ↑ Robinson, Roger (26 April 2015). "Tigist Tufa is Surprise Women's Winner of London Marathon". Runner's World Newswire. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  25. ↑ "London Marathon: Another Win for Kenya and Mary Keitany". The Kenya Forum. 23 April 2017. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  26. ↑ London Marathon 2017: Mary Keitany & Daniel Wanjiru win, BBC, 23 April 2017
  27. ↑ "Keitany breaks women's-only world record at London Marathon| News | iaaf.org". www.iaaf.org. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  28. ↑ Hutchings, Tim; Mulkeen, Jon (10 February 2017). "JEPCHIRCHIR BREAKS WORLD HALF MARATHON RECORD IN RAS AL-KHAIMAH". International Association of Athletics Federations. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  29. ↑ "Mary Keitany kills it again in Beach to Beacon women's race". Press Herald. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  30. ↑ "KIPLAGAT LEADS KENYA'S MARATHON SELECTIONS FOR IAAF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS LONDON 2017". International Association of Athletics Federations. 25 May 2017. Retrieved 11 July 2017.
  31. ↑ "2017 Great North Run Results - LetsRun.com". LetsRun.com. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  32. ↑ "Race Results".
  33. ↑ "News". www.leichtathletik.de | Das Leichtathletik-Portal (in German). 26 April 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2019.
  34. ↑ "TCS New York City Marathon: Joyciline Jepkosgei wins, beating reigning champ Mary Keitany". 4 November 2019.
  35. ↑ "Marathon World Champion Mary Keitany Retires at 39". The Kenya Forum. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  36. ↑ "Marathon record holder Mary Keitany retires after injury". AP NEWS. 22 September 2021. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  37. ↑ "Marathon beckons for Keitany – World Half Marathon, Birmingham". IAAF. 11 October 2009. Archived from the original on 13 October 2009.
  38. ↑ TCS New York City Marathon Stories Album: Motivated By Motherhood Archived 1 April 2016 at the Wayback Machine, By Barbara Huebner
  39. ↑ Library, World. "Mary Keitany | World Library - eBooks | Read eBooks online". netlibrary.ws. Retrieved 27 April 2017.
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