Mercy Chepkurui

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.

Biography
Chepkurui attended Tinet High School in the Kuresoi South Constituency of Nakuru County, Kenya.

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. 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.

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.

In 2019, Chepkurui joined the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders track and field team. 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.