At 45, Priscah Jepleting Cherono continues to defy age and expectations. The Kenyan long-distance legend claimed a stunning victory at the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon, finishing in 2:25:20 and outpacing both elite women and men in the Marathon Chase.
Born on 27 June 1980, her early exposure to competitive running laid the foundation for a career that would see her represent Kenya internationally.
Cherono’s professional career has spanned more than 20 years, marked by remarkable achievements in cross-country, track, and road racing. She specializes in 5000 metres and long-distance events, and she has represented Kenya at multiple World Championships (her first at the Junior Championships in Sydney, in 1996) and the Olympics (Beijing, 2008).
She has also represented Kenya ten times at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, winning five team medals and an individual silver in 2006.
Off the track, Cherono is a devoted mother and wife. She is married and has three children, balancing family life with the demands of professional athletics. Her ability to maintain a high level of competition while managing personal responsibilities speaks to her discipline and resilience.
Cherono often credits her family for support during training and races, highlighting the importance of a stable home environment in sustaining a long athletic career.