Fans, family pushed me to win Cardiff title- Jepchirchir

World half-marathon winner Peris Jepchirchir has revealed as she hit the tarmac in pouring rain at the Welsh capital on Saturday, the thought of her fans and family sat in their homes watching the 2016 University of Cardiff/IAAF World Half Marathon spurred to her dig deep and complete a stunning victory in the women’s race.

The 22-year old says that when she hit the 15-km point, her legs sagged and was on the verge of surrendering the fight for a medal before she tapped into her reserves to not only shock herself but the whole world when she succeeded record holder Florence Kiplagat as the titleholder.

“The wet and windy conditions were very unfavourable for me and I almost felt overwhelmed. However, the thought of the people counting on me; my fans and family motivated to keep pushing myself,” the new global star who’s still basking in the afterglow of her victory, told Citizen Digital.

“With around three kilometers of the race left, I started easing up in preparation for a strong finish. I watched my colleague (Cynthia Limo) race past me but I kept my game plan in check. With only 500m to go I could see she had worn off, so I took advantage and got off for my winning sprint,” she added.

Jepchirchir, adds that she has little time to enjoy the new spotlight on her after beating the more seasoned Mary Wacera and the faster Limo to World Half gold.

“There are many road races lined up ahead which I plan on using to set myself up for the upcoming Olympics in Rio Brazil,” she explained.

Asked about her short hairstyle that has three golden coloured spots dyed to it, the freshly minted champion laughed off suggestions it vanity or a sign of the hue of the medal she eventually won.

“I thought it just looked good on me. I did not put too much thought into it,” she affirmed.

Jepchirchir added that the allure of meeting other global stars at the Rio Olympics is giving her the push to qualify in the Kenyan team as she looks forward to another victory in next month’s Yangzhou Half Marathon in China.