Boston marathon bound and Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir has won the LG Sports Journalists Association of Kenya (SJAK) Sports Personality of November.
This comes two days after she was named in a star-studded lineup for the Boston Marathon which is a World Athletics Elite Platinum Gold Label Road Race that will be held on April 18th.
Jepchirchir floored stars like the men’s New York marathon winner, Albert Korir, Tennis sensation Angela Okutoyi, who won the 2021 Africa U-18 Championship and Rally champion Baldev Chager.
Other nominees were Kenya Sevens player Herman Humwa, Lucy Cheruiyot who won Mexico City Marathon and Perister Bosire who won gold in the over 78 kg division at the Dakar African Judo Open.
Jepchirchir beat a seasoned deep field to win the New York City Marathon in 2 hours, 22 minutes, 39 seconds ahead of compatriot Viola Lagat in November to bag the award.
Jepchirchir was awarded by the LG Electronics Corporate Communications Manager, Marketing Department Maureen Kemunto on Thursday morning.
The award which took place at her home in Kapsabet saw the marathoner receive a state-of-the-art LG Artificial Intelligence washing machine worth Ksh 92,000 and a gleaming trophy engraved with her name.
Speaking after receiving the award at her home in Kapsabet, Nandi County, Jepchirchir said the award came as a surprise to her and she didn’t expect to have emerged the best in the month of November.
She said that the award has motivated her to work hard this season with her focus on the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA where she will be eyeing for a slot in Team Kenya.
“I am so happy to be recognized by LG, I feel so honored, this is a big inspiration to me ahead of the busy season. This washing machine has come in handy and I thank LG and SJAK for that,” an elated Jepchirchir said.
“I am so happy I was even thinking of buying a washing machine, and here it has come. I have started preparations for Boston Marathon, I know it is a tough course and race but I will do my best to be in the podium,” the Olympic Champion said.
She added, “I will be happy if I will be selected to represent my country at the World Athletics Championships in USA, Oregon.