‘Speak up over gender-based violence’ – Chepchirchir urges after winning Agnes Tirop Memorial Run

Agnes Tirop Memorial Fun Run winner Sophie Chepchirchir has urged gender-based violence victims to come out and speak up over the vice.

Chepchirchir emerged as the champion of the memorial run in the women’s category held at the Koitalel Samoei University College in Mosoriot, Nandi County on Sunday.

The athlete was among thousands that competed to honour Tirop, who was allegedly murdered by her husband in Iten, Elgeyo-Marakwet County back in 2021.

"When I heard about the race, I wanted to just run and honour one of the athletes who inspired many, but her life was cut short through murder," Chepchirchir said, as quoted by Nation Sports.

"Gender-based violence should just come to a stop, and I would urge those going through tough times to come out and speak up."

Chepchirchir took an early lead and finally crossed the line in 33:02.3 to beat Feliciana Jepkosgei, who clocked 33:57.5. Brenda Tuwei came in third with a time of 34:05.1.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Maru emerged the winner in the men’s category after he crossed the line at 29:23, beating Kelvin Kibiwott, who clocked 29:33. Gedion Kiprotich was third after running for 29:41.

In the two kilometer race for women, Mary Kigen, Leah Murei, and Stellah Jelimo were first, second, and third with timings of 8:15, 9:05) and 9:06, respectively.

The memorial event was organized by the Tirop Angels Trust in order to sensitise the community on the negative effects of gender violence.

The foundation’s chairperson, Viola Lagat, also reiterated the need to put an end to the vice. 

"We lost Tirop in a painful way and we want to sensitize the community and the running family about the need to speak out. Never again should we lose another human being on something we can talk about. Speak up," she said.

On her part, Peres Jepchirchir, an Olympic marathon champion, echoed Lagat’s sentiments against gender-based violence.