World marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and Vincent Ng’etich will spearhead Kenya’s bid for a double victory at Sunday’s Sydney Marathon.
Sydney marks Jepchirchir’s long-awaited return to competition after an injury disrupted the opening half of her 2026 season. She last raced at the Valencia Marathon in December, where she finished second in 2:14:43 behind compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei.
The former Olympic champion had been due to compete at the London Marathon in April but withdrew after failing to recover in time. Now fit again, she is confident of making a strong comeback.
“I am confident and happy with all the titles I have. Wherever I go to race, I know athletes know Peres is there,” Jepchirchir said during the pre-race press conference.
Despite being among the favourites, Jepchirchir insists she will respect a strong elite field.
“I respect each athlete. I know they have all prepared well to come and compete.”
She said the injury is now behind her and she is ready to race.
“Injuries are part of sports, but I thank God I am okay now. I have treated it and now I am okay and ready for Sunday,” she added.
Jepchirchir’s credentials include Olympic marathon gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, three major marathon victories in New York, Boston and London, and last year’s World Championships title in Tokyo, where she edged Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa by two seconds in 2:24:43.
She will be joined by compatriots Vivian Cheruiyot, Irine Cheptai, Sharon Chelimo, Joyce Tele, Jackline Cherono and Priscah Cherono. Uganda’s Stella Chesang and Ethiopia’s Shure Demise provide strong opposition, with Chesang arriving after winning the Osaka Women’s Marathon in 2:19:31.
“I won the Osaka Women’s Marathon and that motivated me that I can get more in the marathon. Training has been good and I am hoping for a good race on Sunday,” Chesang said.
In the men’s race, Ng’etich will team up with Timothy Kiplagat as Kenya takes on Tanzania’s world marathon champion Alphonse Simbu, Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma and defending champion Hailemaryam Kiros.
Ng’etich is targeting a podium finish after a mixed 2026 season.
“I am grateful to be here in Sydney. On Sunday I will push myself to try and be on the podium.”
Simbu, however, expects a fast race after discussions with the leading contenders.
“Before coming here we talked with Vincent and Kiros. We are planning to make a new record. On Sunday I think we can do it,” Simbu said.
Kiros holds the Sydney course record of 2:06:06, set last year.
