Mercy Chepkurui (born 16 September 2000), also spelled Mercy Chepkirui, is a Kenyan steeplechase runner. She was the silver medalist in the 2000 m steeplechase at the 2017 World U20 Championships. As a senior athlete, her time of 6:00.31 in that event indoors makes her the 8th-fastest 2000 m steeplechase performer of all time.
Chepkurui attended Tinet High School in the Kuresoi South Constituency of Nakuru County, Kenya.[1]
In 2017, Chepkurui won the 2000 m steeplechase at the Kenyan U18 Trials in a world U18-leading time of 6:27.6, earning her a spot on the Kenyan team at the 2017 IAAF World U18 Championships.[4] At the championships, Chepkurui held a strong lead going in to the final lap, but she tumbled on the final water barrier putting compatriot Caren Chebet into contention. After being passed by Chebet, Chepkurui re-took the lead until 20 metres to the finish, when Chebet passed her again to win the world U18 title while Chepkurui took silver.[5]
The following year, Chepkurui competed at the 2018 IAAF World U20 Championships, this time at the standard 3000 m steeplechase distance. She qualified for the final and placed 4th behind Celliphine Chespol (who was the second-fastest performer of all time), future Olympic gold medalist Peruth Chemutai, and future World champion Winfred Yavi.[6]
In 2019, Chepkurui joined the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders track and field team.[3] She competed with the Blue Raiders through the 2023 season, with a best regional placing of 55th at the 2021 NCAA Division I South Region Cross Country Championships.[7]
| Event | Mark | Place | Competition | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 metres steeplechase | 9:23.59 | 5th | Shanghai Diamond League | Shanghai, China | 18 May 2019 |
| 3000 metres | 8:56.35 i | 7th | Meeting Elite en Salle Féminin du Val d'Oise | Eaubonne, France | 17 February 2020 |
