Celestine Chepchirchir
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Born | December 18, 1995 Kenya |
| Occupation | Long-distance runner |
| Years active | 2018–2024 |
| Sport | |
| Country |  Kenya |
| Sport | Athletics |
| Event(s) | Marathon, Half marathon |
| Achievements and titles | |
| Personal bests |
|
Celestine Chepchirchir (born 18 December 1995) is a Kenyan long-distance runner who has competed internationally in marathons and half marathons. She set a marathon personal best of 2:20:10 in Seoul (2022) and a half marathon best of 1:08:35 in Paris (2018).
Career
[edit]In 2018, Celestine clocked 1:08:35 at the Paris Half Marathon, finishing among the leading women.[1]
In March 2022, she delivered her strongest marathon performance to date, running 2:20:10 at the Seoul International Marathon, where she placed fourth.[2]
The following year, in December 2023, she recorded another top finish at the prestigious Valencia Marathon, again placing fourth with a time of 2:20:46.[3]
Doping Ban
[edit]In April 2024, it was announced that Celestine had been issued a three-year ban from competition after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, a prohibited substance. The ban, imposed by the Athletics Integrity Unit, took effect on 26 March 2024. All her results from 9 February 2024 onward were annulled.[4][5]
The ban period was reduced by one year after Celestine admitted to the offence, a factor that contributed to the mitigation of her sanction.[4]
Personal bests
[edit]Major results
[edit]| Year | Event | Location | Position | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Half Marathon | Paris, France | — | 1:08:35[1] |
| 2022 | Seoul Marathon | Seoul, South Korea | 4th | 2:20:10[2] |
| 2023 | Valencia Marathon | Valencia, Spain | 4th | 2:20:46[3] |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "Celestine Chepchirchir – Athlete Profile". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b c "2022 Chicago Marathon Elite Runner: Celestine Chepchirchir". NBC Chicago. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Chepchirchir faces off Ethiopia's Ayana in Valencia Marathon". The Star Kenya. 2 December 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ a b "Kenyan Celestine Chepchirchir and Ethiopian Zerfe Wondemagegn banned for doping". Athletics Illustrated. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2025.
- ^ "Kenya's Celestine Chepchirchir issued with three-year ban for doping offence". Pulse Sports Kenya. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2025.