Reigning Valencia Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei will use the Cardiff Half Marathon on October 4 as a dress rehearsal for her title defence on December 6. The 32-year-old Kenyan distance runner, a former London and New York City Marathon champion, heads the elite women's field in Cardiff. Jepkosgei has a strong half marathon record, including victories in Valencia, Prague, and Berlin. Her appearance in Cardiff is her maiden run in the Welsh city.
Jepkosgei's half marathon resume is one of the strongest in the field. She is a two-time Barcelona Half Marathon champion, having won in 2024 in 1:04:29 and lowering the course record to 1:04:13 in 2025. However, compatriot Loice Chemnung later eclipsed that benchmark this year with a time of 1:04:01. Jepkosgei's other notable half marathon performances include victories in Valencia in 2017 and Prague in 2017.
Despite her impressive record, Jepkosgei has had a mixed start to her 2026 campaign. She finished third at the London Marathon, clocking 2:15:55 behind Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, who set a women's-only world record of 2:15:41. Hellen Obiri finished second in 2:15:33. Jepkosgei then competed in the Kenya Defence Forces Track and Field Championships, doubling in the 5,000m and 10,000m.
At the Kenya Defence Forces Championships, Jepkosgei narrowly missed the podium in both events. She placed fourth in the 5,000m with a time of 15:58.76 and 33:09.38 in the 10,000m. In Cardiff, Jepkosgei will face stiff competition from Ethiopian pair Wede Kefale and Melat Kejeta. Kefale finished third at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon in 1:07:12.
Melat Kejeta brings championship experience to the Cardiff Half Marathon, having won the silver medal at the 2020 World Half Marathon in Gdynia, Poland. Jepkosgei will need to be at her best to overcome the strong field. Her performance in Cardiff will be closely watched as she prepares to defend her Valencia Marathon title.
The Cardiff Half Marathon takes place on October 4, and Jepkosgei's participation is seen as a significant boost to the event. The Kenyan distance runner's presence is expected to draw a large crowd, and her performance will be eagerly anticipated. Jepkosgei's goal is to fine-tune her form ahead of her title defence in Valencia.
Jepkosgei's title defence in Valencia on December 6 will be closely watched, given her impressive record in the marathon. Her performance in Cardiff will provide valuable insight into her current form and prospects for the defence of her title. With a strong field and a challenging course, the Cardiff Half Marathon promises to be an exciting event.
Key points
- Jepkosgei seeks to fine-tune her form ahead of her Valencia Marathon title defence
- The Kenyan distance runner faces stiff competition in Cardiff from Ethiopian pair Wede Kefale and Melat Kejeta
- Jepkosgei has a strong half marathon record, including victories in Valencia, Prague, and Berlin
