Celestine Chepchirchir

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).

Celestine Chepchirchir

Personal information
Nationality	Kenyan
Born	(1995-12-18) December 18, 1995 (age 29) Kenya
Occupation	Long-distance runner
Years active	2018–2024
Sport
Country	Kenya
Sport	Athletics
Event(s)	Marathon, Half marathon
Achievements and titles
Personal bests	Marathon: 2:20:10 (Seoul, 2022) Half Marathon: 1:08:35 (Paris, 2018)

Career

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

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

• Marathon: 2:20:10 – Seoul, 2022^[2]
• Half Marathon: 1:08:35 – Paris, 2018^[1]

Major results

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]