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Chepkoech back in spikes for this month's Bengaluru 10K The 35-year-old was largely grounded throughout 2025. At stake is a winner’s purse of Sh3.5 million ($27,000) as well as an additional Sh1.5 million ($12,000) bonus for anyone who breaks the event record Audio By Vocalize The 2024 Chicago Marathon third-place finisher Irene Cheptai is set for a titanic showdown against world 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech when the two Kenyan distance stars line up at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon on October 18. Cheptai, 34, heads to New Delhi with fond memories and valuable experience on the Indian course. She made her debut in Delhi in 2020, narrowly missing the podium after finishing fourth in 1:06:43 behind Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw (1:04:46), Ruth Chepng’etich (1:05:06) and Ababel Yeshaneh (1:05:21). She returned in 2022, determined to rewrite that script and went on to storm to victory in 1:06:42. Cheptai outkicked Ethiopia’s Dawit Seyaum (1:08:02) and Uganda’s Stella Chesang (1:08:11) to clinch the prestigious title. Although she expects a fierce challenge from the emerging generation, the seasoned road runner believes her experience on Delhi’s demanding course could prove decisive. “I know there are several young runners who will be competing at the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon,” Cheptai told race organisers. “But I have the experience of running in Delhi, and I am confident of challenging for the podium and fighting for my second title here.” Cheptai arrives in India in impressive road-running form this season. She opened her campaign with victory at the Burj2Burj Half Marathon in Dubai, clocking 1:06:57 to edge compatriot Daisilah Jerono (1:06:59) and Ethiopia’s Ftaw Zeray (1:07:01). Her momentum briefly stalled at the Boston Marathon, where she finished sixth in 2:20:54. Still, she responded emphatically with third place at the Northside Hospital Peachtree 10km in Atlanta (31:11) before claiming runner-up honours at the Sydney Marathon in 2:22:11 in her latest outing. The New Delhi clash will also mark another significant step in Chepkoech’s transition to longer road races, with the former steeplechase queen making only her second half marathon appearance since 2009. Despite her limited experience over 21km, Chepkoech has enjoyed a remarkably consistent 2026 campaign, finishing on the podium in every race she has contested. She began her season with a third-place finish in the 1,500m at the National Police Service (NPS) Track and Field Championships in 4:22.47, before another third-place finish at the Durban 10km Road Race in 31:25. She further underlined her sharp form last month by finishing second at the Antrim Coast 5km Road Race, where she clocked in 15:12. Adding further firepower to Kenya’s formidable challenge in New Delhi are Cynthia Limo, Cynthia Chepkwony, Orba Chemurgor, Caren Chebet, Selah Buseinei and Christine Njoki. At stake is a winner’s purse of Sh3.5 million ($27,000) and an additional Sh1.5 million ($12,000) bonus for anyone who breaks the event record. The 35-year-old was largely grounded throughout 2025.