 Chepkurui at the 2019 ISTAF Berlin meeting | |||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nationality |  Kenya | ||||||||||||||
| Born | (2000-09-16) 16 September 2000 (age 24) | ||||||||||||||
| Home town | Tinet Ward, Kuresoi South Constituency, Nakuru County, Kenya | ||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | 3000 metres steeplechase, 3000 metres | ||||||||||||||
| College team | Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders | ||||||||||||||
| Achievements and titles | |||||||||||||||
| National finals |
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| Personal bests | |||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Mercy Chepkurui (born 16 September 2000), also spelled Mercy Chepkirui, is a Kenyan steeplechase runner. She was the silver medalist in the 2000 m steeplechase at the 2017 World U20 Championships. As a senior athlete, her time of 6:00.31 in that event indoors makes her the 8th-fastest 2000 m steeplechase performer of all time.
Biography
Chepkurui attended Tinet High School in the Kuresoi South Constituency of Nakuru County, Kenya.
In 2017, Chepkurui won the 2000 m steeplechase at the Kenyan U18 Trials in a world U18-leading time of 6:27.6, earning her a spot on the Kenyan team at the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships. At the championships, Chepkurui held a strong lead going in to the final lap, but she tumbled on the final water barrier putting compatriot Caren Chebet [de] into contention. After being passed by Chebet, Chepkurui re-took the lead until 20 metres to the finish, when Chebet passed her again to win the world U18 title while Chepkurui took silver.
The following year, Chepkurui competed at the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships, this time at the standard 3000 m steeplechase distance. She qualified for the final and placed 4th behind Celliphine Chespol (who was the second-fastest performer of all time), future Olympic gold medalist Peruth Chemutai, and future World champion Winfred Yavi.
In 2019, Chepkurui joined the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders track and field team. She competed with the Blue Raiders through the 2023 season, with a best regional placing of 55th at the 2021 NCAA Division I South Region Cross Country Championships.
Statistics
Personal bests
| Event | Mark | Place | Competition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 metres steeplechase | 9:23.59 | 5th | Shanghai Diamond League | Shanghai, China | 18 May 2019 |
| 3000 metres | 8:56.35 i | 7th | Meeting Elite en Salle Féminin du Val d'Oise | Eaubonne, France | 17 February 2020 |
References
- ^ "Upsets galore at World Under-18 Championships pre-trials". The Nation. 26 May 2017.
- Mercy Chepkurui at Tilastopaja (registration required)
- ^ "Mercy Chepkurui - Women's Cross Country and Track & Field - Middle Tennessee State University Athletics". Middle Tennessee State University Athletics.
- Cyrus Sholim (26 May 2017). "Kandie, Chepkirui triumphant at WU18 pre-trials". Citizen Digital.
- "Chebet, Chepkirui stage 1-2 sweep for Kenya in steeplechase". The Nation. 2017-07-04.
- "Report: women's 3000m steeplechase – IAAF World U20 Championships Tampere 2018". World Athletics. 13 July 2018.
- Mercy Chepkurui profile at TFRRS