NAIROBI, Kenya, February 17, 2025 – Newly-crowned Barcelona Half Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei is eager to return to the Spanish city next year to defend her title.
Jepkosgei says the idea of a three-peat is an enticing one that she cannot resist.
“Of course, I am looking forward to returning next year to defend my title here. It is one of my favourite places to come and run. I hope to return and defend my title and also lower my personal best,” the 2019 London Marathon champion said.
Along with Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo – who smashed the world record for the 21km – Jepkosgei was one of the headline-grabbers at Sunday’s race after she smashed the course record in the women’s race.
The 31-year-old clocked a course record of 1:04:13, which was also a PB, to win her second successive Barcelona Half Marathon title.
In second place was Spaniard Alexandra Garcia who timed 1:05:28 as another Kenyan, Gladys Chepkirui, clocked 1:06:25 in third place.
Jepkosgei described the feat as amazing, noting that it is one of the most special achievements in her life.
“It is really great and I am so excited to come here and smash the course record, which is also my personal best. I have really enjoyed running here today and I thank all the fans who came here to cheer me,” she said.
The feat came only a week after she had finished fourth at the National Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club in Eldoret.
On that occasion, Jepkosgei clocked 35:02 in the senior women’s 10km.
