Vibian Chepkirui


Vibian Chepkirui is a Kenyan long-distance runner who competes internationally in road races, particularly the marathon. She is best known for her back-to-back victories at the Vienna City Marathon, where she also set the course record in 2022.

Career

Chepkirui emerged on the elite road racing scene in the early 2020s. In 2021, she recorded a personal best of 31:09.42 in the 10,000 metres and ran 1:08:02 in the half marathon in Lisbon.
She made her marathon debut at the 2021 Vienna City Marathon, winning in 2:24:29. She returned in 2022 and defended her title with a dominant performance of 2:20:59, setting a new course record and personal best.
In 2023, Chepkirui won the Publix Atlanta Half-Marathon in 1:08:45 and claimed victory at the Beijing Marathon in 2:21:57.
In 2024, she finished 13th at the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:27:23. The following year, she placed fourth at the Rotterdam Marathon in 2:22:27. Ahead of the 2025 Vienna City Marathon, she aimed to become only the second woman to win the race three times, following Nancy Kiprop. Despite a strong effort, she faced tough competition from Rebecca Tanui.

Personal bests

  • 10,000 metres – 31:09.42
  • Half marathon – 1:08:02
  • Marathon – 2:20:59