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{{short description|Kenyan long-distance runner}}
{{distinguish2|[[Josephat Kiprono]], another Kenyan runner}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Josephat Kiprono]], another Kenyan runner}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2015}}
[[File:Josphat-Kiprono-Menjo-2010.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kiprono Menjo at the 2010 Lappeenranta Games]]
[[File:Josphat-Kiprono-Menjo-2010.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Kiprono Menjo at the 2010 Lappeenranta Games]]


'''Josphat Kiprono Menjo''' (born 20 August 1979) is a [[Kenya]]n [[long-distance runner]] who specialises in [[track running|track]] and [[road running]].
'''Josphat Kiprono Menjo''' (born 20 August 1979) is a Kenyan [[long-distance runner]] who specialises in [[track running|track]] and [[road running]].


A relative latecomer to [[athletics (sport)|athletics]], Menjo began competing around 2002 and first represented his country at the [[2006 African Championships in Athletics]], where he was fifth in the [[5000 metres]]. A [[silver medal]] in the event at the [[2007 All-Africa Games]] was followed by an eighth place finish on the global stage, running in the [[10,000 metres]] at the [[2007 World Championships in Athletics]]. He won the [[San Silvestre Vallecana]] 10K race at the end of the year.
A relative latecomer to athletics, Menjo began competing around 2002 and first represented his country at the [[2006 African Championships in Athletics]], where he was fifth in the [[5000 metres]]. A [[silver medal]] in the event at the [[2007 All-Africa Games]] was followed by an eighth-place finish on the global stage, running in the [[10,000 metres]] at the [[2007 World Championships in Athletics]]. He won the [[San Silvestre Vallecana]] 10K race at the end of the year.


He returned to the continental stage with another fifth place at the [[2008 African Championships in Athletics]] and he continued his road success in Spain with consecutive wins at the [[Cursa de Bombers]] in 2008 and 2009. Entering into his thirties, Menjo had a career breakthrough in 2010, recording many personal bests: he won the Cursa Bombers in 27:04 minutes to become the joint third fastest over the distance and ran 26:56.74 for the 10,000 m – the fastest by any athlete that year.
He returned to the continental stage with another fifth place at the [[2008 African Championships in Athletics]] and he continued his road success in Spain with consecutive wins at the [[Cursa de Bombers]] in 2008 and 2009. Entering into his thirties, Menjo had a career breakthrough in 2010, recording many personal bests: he won the Cursa Bombers in 27:04 minutes to become the joint third fastest over the distance and ran 26:56.74 for the 10,000 m – the fastest by any athlete that year.


==Biography==
==Biography==

===Early life and career===
===Early life and career===
Born in [[Kapsabet]], Kenya, Josphat Kiprono Menjo was educated at Kapkechui [[primary school]] and went on to attend Chemundu [[secondary school]], graduating in 1998. He was keen to further his education and hoped to become a teacher. He worked on his father's [[maize]] farm for four years before being called for [[military service]] in 2002.<ref name=Focus>Wokabi, James & Mutuota, Mutwiri (2008-05-01). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/athletes/newsid=46167.html Focus on Athletes - Josphat KIPRONO MENJO]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-10-14.</ref>
Born in [[Kapsabet]], Kenya, Josphat Kiprono Menjo was educated at Kapkechui primary school and went on to attend Chemundu secondary school, graduating in 1998. He was keen to further his education and hoped to become a teacher. He worked on his father's maize farm for four years before being called for [[military service]] in 2002.<ref name=Focus>{{cite news|last=Wokabi |first=James |last2=Mutuota |first2=Mutwiri |date=1 May 2008 |url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/athletes/newsid=46167.html |title=Focus on Athletes – Josphat KIPRONO MENJO |publisher=[[International Association of Athletics Federations|IAAF]] |accessdate=14 October 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223090541/http://www.iaaf.org/news/athletes/newsid%3D46167.html |archivedate=23 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


At Moi Airbase, he worked with world-class [[running|runners]] [[Paul Tergat]] and [[Wilson Boit Kipketer]] and, despite his disinterest in sport as a child, the two convinced Menjo to try his hand at running. He began to compete in various [[cross country running|cross country]] and [[track and field|track]] meets at military level. He won a [[5000 metres]] provincial race in 2004, gaining qualification into his first national championships. It was this race which sparked the Kenyan's interest: "[I] realised I had potential in the distance and, from then on, I decided to specialise in it".<ref name=Focus/>
At Moi Airbase, he worked with world-class [[running|runners]] [[Paul Tergat]] and [[Wilson Boit Kipketer]] and, despite his disinterest in sport as a child, the two convinced Menjo to try his hand at running. He began to compete in various [[cross country running|cross country]] and track meets at military level. He won a [[5000 metres]] provincial race in 2004, gaining qualification into his first national championships. It was this race which sparked the Kenyan's interest: "[I] realised I had potential in the distance and, from then on, I decided to specialise in it".<ref name=Focus/>


He experimented with longer distances at the [[Valladolid Half Marathon]] and placed third at the 2004 race with a time of 1:04:09.<ref>[http://www.mediamaratonvalladolid.com/docs/clasificaciones/2004_MediaMaratonValladolid.pdf XVI Media Maratón de Valladolid. 19 de Septiembre 2004]. Valladolid Half Marathon. Retrieved on 2010-10-14.</ref> He made the national team for the first time in 2006 with a third place finish in the 5000&nbsp;m at the Kenyan championships.<ref name=Focus/> Representing his country, he finished fifth in the 5000&nbsp;m at the [[2006 African Championships in Athletics|2006 African Championships]]
He experimented with longer distances at the [[Valladolid Half Marathon]] and placed third at the 2004 race with a time of 1:04:09.<ref>{{cite web|format=PDF |date=19 September 2004 |accessdate=14 October 2010 |url=http://www.mediamaratonvalladolid.com/docs/clasificaciones/2004_MediaMaratonValladolid.pdf |title=XVI Media Maratón de Valladolid. 19 de Septiembre 2004 |publisher=Valladolid Half Marathon |archivedate=14 July 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714064529/http://www.mediamaratonvalladolid.com/docs/clasificaciones/2004_MediaMaratonValladolid.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> He made the national team for the first time in 2006 with a third-place finish in the 5000&nbsp;m at the Kenyan championships.<ref name=Focus/> Representing his country, he finished fifth in the 5000&nbsp;m at the [[2006 African Championships in Athletics|2006 African Championships]]


===All-Africa medal===
===All-Africa medal===
His first major international medal came in the 5000&nbsp;m at the [[Athletics at the 2007 All-Africa Games|2007 All-Africa Games]], where he took a [[silver medal]] behind [[Moses Kipsiro]]. Kipsiro had a late surge to pip Menjo to the gold by a margin of .13 seconds.<ref name=Focus/> He ran in the [[10,000 metres]] at the [[2007 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 10,000 metres|2007 World Championships]] and finished in eighth place. Menjo won the [[San Silvestre Vallecana]] road race on December 31, 2007.
His first major international medal came in the 5000&nbsp;m at the [[Athletics at the 2007 All-Africa Games|2007 All-Africa Games]], where he took a [[silver medal]] behind [[Moses Ndiema Kipsiro|Moses Kipsiro]]. Kipsiro had a late surge to pip Menjo to the gold by a margin of .13 seconds.<ref name=Focus/> He ran in the [[10,000 metres]] at the [[2007 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 10,000 metres|2007 World Championships]] and finished in eighth place. Menjo won the [[San Silvestre Vallecana]] road race on 31 December 2007.


At the [[2008 African Championships in Athletics]] he finished fifth in the 5000&nbsp;m.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20080509090759/http://www.addis2008.org/Results/Data/at/asm/013/004/cgcgr3atasm013l004001.html 2008 African Championships men's 5000 metres]. 2008 Addis Ababa (archived). Retrieved on 2010-10-13.</ref> He was the winner of the 2008 [[Cross de San Sebastián]] and took consecutive victories at the [[Almond Blossom Cross Country]] race in 2008 and 2009.<ref>Civai, Franco (2009-03-09). [http://www.arrs.net/HP_AlmondXC.htm Amendoeiras em Flor (Almond Blossom) 10 km and 6 km]. [[Association of Road Racing Statisticians]]. Retrieved on 2010-03-10.</ref><ref>[http://www.arrs.net/HP_SSbXC.htm Cross de San Sebastián]. [[Association of Road Racing Statisticians]]. Retrieved on 2010-10-13.</ref> He also won twice in a row at the [[Cursa de Bombers]] 10K race with wins in 2008 and 2009.
At the [[2008 African Championships in Athletics]] he finished fifth in the 5000&nbsp;m.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080509090759/http://www.addis2008.org/Results/Data/at/asm/013/004/cgcgr3atasm013l004001.html 2008 African Championships men's 5000 metres]. 2008 Addis Ababa (archived). Retrieved 13 October 2010.</ref> He was the winner of the 2008 [[Cross de San Sebastián]] and took consecutive victories at the [[Almond Blossom Cross Country]] race in 2008 and 2009.<ref>Civai, Franco (9 March 2009). [https://www.arrs.run/HP_AlmondXC.htm Amendoeiras em Flor (Almond Blossom) 10 km and 6 km]. [[Association of Road Racing Statisticians]]. Retrieved 10 March 2010.</ref><ref>[https://www.arrs.run/HP_SSbXC.htm Cross de San Sebastián]. [[Association of Road Racing Statisticians]]. Retrieved 13 October 2010.</ref> He also won twice in a row at the [[Cursa de Bombers]] 10K race with wins in 2008 and 2009.


===Breakthrough year===
===Breakthrough year===
The 2010 season marked a significant improvement in Menjo's performances, as he set a number of career bests in events ranging from [[1500 metres]] to the [[half marathon]].<ref name=IAAFBio>[http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/letter=0/athcode=206196/index.html Menjo Josphat Kiprono]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-10-13.</ref> He began by winning his third Cursa de Bombers race in [[Barcelona]] clocking 27:04, just three seconds slower than the world record held by compatriot [[Micah Kogo]].<ref>IAAF, April 19, 2010: [http://www.iaaf.org/LRR10/news/newsid=56495.html Menjo blazes 27:04 10Km in Barcelona]</ref> This course record mark elevated him to joint third in the all-time rankings over the distance.<ref>[http://www.iaaf.org/statistics/toplists/inout=o/age=n/season=0/sex=M/all=y/legal=A/disc=10RR/detail.html 10 Kilometres All Time]. [[IAAF]] (2010-09-26). Retrieved on 2010-10-13.</ref> He ran a 5000&nbsp;m personal best in Spain later in the outdoor season, winning at the [[Gran Premio de Andalucía]] in a time of 13:02.54.<ref>Valiente, Emeterio (2010-06-10). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=57003.html 3000m World lead for Nuria Fernández in Huelva]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-06-14.</ref> He further improved this to 13:00.67 at the [[KBC Night of Athletics]] and went on to win at the Lapinlahti leg of the [[Finnish Elite Games]] series of meetings in July.<ref>Sonninen, Antti-Pekka (2010-07-19). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=57427.html Menjo's 5000m solo run the highlight in Lapinlahti]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-07-19.</ref>
The 2010 season marked a significant improvement in Menjo's performances, as he set a number of career bests in events ranging from [[1500 metres]] to the [[half marathon]].<ref name=IAAFBio>{{cite web|url=http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/biographies/letter=0/athcode=206196/index.html|title=Menjo Josphat Kiprono|publisher=[[International Association of Athletics Federations|IAAF]]|accessdate=13 October 2010}}</ref> He began by winning his third Cursa de Bombers race in [[Barcelona]] clocking 27:04, just three seconds slower than the world record held by compatriot [[Micah Kogo]].<ref>{{cite news|publisher=IAAF |date=19 April 2010 |url=http://www.iaaf.org/LRR10/news/newsid=56495.html |title=Menjo blazes 27:04 10Km in Barcelona |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100422034506/http://www.iaaf.org/LRR10/news/newsid%3D56495.html |archivedate=22 April 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This course record mark elevated him to joint third in the all-time rankings over the distance.<ref>{{cite web|title=10 Kilometres All Time |publisher=IAAF |date=26 September 2010 |accessdate=13 October 2010 |url=http://www.iaaf.org/statistics/toplists/inout=o/age=n/season=0/sex=M/all=y/legal=A/disc=10RR/detail.html |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101024161112/http://www.iaaf.org/statistics/toplists/inout%3Do/age%3Dn/season%3D0/sex%3DM/all%3Dy/legal%3DA/disc%3D10RR/detail.html |archivedate=24 October 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He ran a 5000&nbsp;m personal best in Spain later in the outdoor season, winning at the [[Gran Premio de Andalucía]] in a time of 13:02.54.<ref>{{cite news|last=Valiente|first=Emeterio|date=10 June 2010|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/3000m-world-lead-for-nuria-fernandez-in-huelv|title=3000m World lead for Nuria Fernández in Huelva|publisher= IAAF|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref> He further improved this to 13:00.67 at the [[KBC Night of Athletics]] and went on to win at the Lapinlahti leg of the [[Finnish Elite Games]] series of meetings in July.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sonninen|first=Antti-Pekka|date=19 July 2010|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/menjos-5000m-solo-run-the-highlight-in-lapinl|title=Menjo's 5000m solo run the highlight in Lapinlahti|publisher=IAAF |accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref>


Continuing his rapid improvement, Menjo again lowered his 5000&nbsp;m personal best to 12:55.95 in [[Turku, Finland]].<ref>http://live.time4results.com/yu/2010/turku/5-1-r.html</ref> He ran a 3:53.62 mile in [[Joensuu]], [[Finland]] to set a personal best on August 22, 2010.<ref name=Joensuu>Sonninen, A-P (2010-08-22). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=58056.html Spencer takes the Finnish Elite Games jackpot in Joensuu]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-08-24.</ref> He continued his success in Finland with a win in the [[Tilastopaja Cup]] at the [[Paavo Nurmi Stadium]], recording a personal best and world-leading time of 26:56.74.<ref>Jalava, Mirko (2010-08-29). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=58114.html 26:56.74 10,000m world season lead set in Turku]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-08-30.</ref> With a highly successful track season behind him, he entered the [[Portugal Half Marathon]] in [[Lisbon]] and set a personal best of 1:01:42 to take second place behind road specialist [[Tadese Tola]].<ref>Fernandes, António Manuel (2010-09-26). [http://www.iaaf.org/LRR10/news/newsid=58393.html Tola and Keitany romp to Half Marathon victories in Lisbon]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-10-13.</ref> He signed up for the [[Belgrade Race Through History]] in October and broke the meet record, beating [[Eliud Kipchoge]] to win on the difficult 6&nbsp;km course.<ref>Butcher, Pat (2010-10-13). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=58510.html Menjo takes five seconds off course record in Belgrade]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-10-13.</ref> He was second to [[Teklemariam Medhin]] at the [[Cross Valle de Llodio]].<ref>Valiente, Emeterio (2010-11-29). [http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind=100/newsid=58844.html Medhin and Aguilar reign in Llodio]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-12-02.</ref> He was invited to the [[Zatopek 10,000 metres]] and won the race with the fastest time since [[Luke Kipkosgei]]'s race record run in 1998.<ref>Johnson, Len (2010-12-09). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/kind=100/newsid=58886.html Menjo takes Zatopek 10,000m in steamy Melbourne]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2010-12-09.</ref>
Continuing his rapid improvement, Menjo again lowered his 5000&nbsp;m personal best to 12:55.95 in [[Turku, Finland]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://live.time4results.com/yu/2010/turku/5-1-r.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=22 August 2010 |archive-date=21 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821122556/http://live.time4results.com/yu/2010/turku/5-1-r.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> He ran a 3:53.62 mile in [[Joensuu]], [[Finland]] to set a personal best on 22 August 2010.<ref name=Joensuu>{{cite news|last=Sonninen|first=Antti-Pekka|date=22 August 2010|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/spencer-takes-the-finnish-elite-games-jackpot|title=Spencer takes the Finnish Elite Games jackpot in Joensuu|publisher=[[International Association of Athletics Federations|IAAF]]|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref> He continued his success in Finland with a win in the [[Tilastopaja Cup]] at the [[Paavo Nurmi Stadium]], recording a personal best and world-leading time of 26:56.74.<ref>{{cite news|last=Jalava|first=Mirko|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/265674-10000m-world-season-lead-set-in-turku|title=26:56.74 10,000m world season lead set in Turku|publisher=IAAF|date=29 August 2010|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref> With a highly successful track season behind him, he entered the [[Portugal Half Marathon]] in Lisbon and set a personal best of 1:01:42 to take second place behind road specialist [[Tadese Tola]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Fernandes|first=António Manuel|date=26 September 2010|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/tola-and-keitany-romp-to-half-marathon-victor|title=Tola and Keitany romp to Half Marathon victories in Lisbon|publisher=IAAF|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref> He signed up for the [[Belgrade Race Through History]] in October and broke the meet record, beating [[Eliud Kipchoge]] to win on the difficult 6&nbsp;km course.<ref>{{cite news|last=Butcher|first=Pat|date=13 October 2010|url= http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/menjo-takes-five-seconds-off-course-record-in|title=Menjo takes five seconds off course record in Belgrade|publisher=IAAF|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref> He was second to [[Teklemariam Medhin]] at the [[Cross Valle de Llodio]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Valiente |first=Emeterio |date=29 November 2010 |url=http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind=100/newsid=58844.html |title=Medhin and Aguilar reign in Llodio |publisher=IAAF |accessdate=2 December 2010 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201012539/http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind%3D100/newsid%3D58844.html |archivedate= 1 December 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He was invited to the [[Zatopek 10,000 metres]] and won the race with the fastest time since [[Luke Kipkosgei]]'s race record run in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|last=Johnson|first=Len|date=9 December 2010|title=Menjo takes Zatopek 10,000m in steamy Melbourne|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/menjo-takes-zatopek-10000m-in-steamy-melbourn-1|publisher=IAAF|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref>


He took his first win on grass in 2011 at the [[Cross Internacional de San Sebastián]] in January,<ref>Valiente, Emeterio (2011-02-01). [http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind=100/newsid=59182.html Menjo and Fernández excel in San Sebastián XC while Cáceres eyes indoor success – Spanish weekend round-up]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2011-02-01.</ref> then went on to take a comfortable victory at the [[Almond Blossom Cross Country]] in March.<ref>Fernandes, António Manuel (2011-03-06). [http://www.iaaf.org/CROS11/news/newsid=59481.html Kalovics and Menjo cruise to victories in Albufeira]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2011-03-06.</ref> He did not make the Kenyan teams for the World Championship events that year, but had a season highlight for Kenya at the [[Track and field at the 2011 Military World Games|2011 Military World Games]], where he claimed the 10,000&nbsp;m title.<ref>Kurdyumova, Yelena & Porada, Sergey (2011-07-24). [http://www.iaaf.org/news/newsid=60956.html Strong showing by Kenya at the World Military Games in Rio de Janeiro]. [[IAAF]]. Retrieved on 2011-08-19.</ref> He returned to the San Sebastián Cross in 2012, but was third on that occasion.<ref>[http://deportes.terra.cl/otros-deportes/mike-kigen-y-nazareth-weldu-ganan-sobre-el-barro-en-san-sebastian,425308a556a25310VgnVCM4000009bf154d0RCRD.html Mike Kigen y Nazareth Weldu ganan sobre el barro en San Sebastián]. ''Terra'' (2012-01-29). Retrieved on 2012-01-31.</ref>
He took his first win on grass in 2011 at the [[Cross Internacional de San Sebastián]] in January,<ref>{{cite news|last=Valiente |first=Emeterio |url=http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind=100/newsid=59182.html |title=Menjo and Fernández excel in San Sebastián XC while Cáceres eyes indoor success – Spanish weekend round-up |date=1 February 2011 |publisher=[[International Association of Athletics Federations|IAAF]] |accessdate=1 February 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202160020/http://www.iaaf.org/WXC11/news/kind%3D100/newsid%3D59182.html |archivedate= 2 February 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> then went on to take a comfortable victory at the [[Almond Blossom Cross Country]] in March.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fernandes|first=António Manuel|date=6 March 2011|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/kalovics-and-menjo-cruise-to-victories-in-alb|title=Kalovics and Menjo cruise to victories in Albufeira|publisher=IAAF|accessdate=29 April 2016}}</ref> He did not make the Kenyan teams for the World Championship events that year, but had a season highlight for Kenya at the [[Track and field at the 2011 Military World Games|2011 Military World Games]], where he claimed the 10,000&nbsp;m title.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kurdyumova|first=Yelena|last2=Porada|first2=Sergey|date=24 July 2011|accessdate=29 April 2016 |url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/strong-showing-by-kenya-at-the-world-military-1|title=Strong showing by Kenya at the World Military Games in Rio de Janeiro|publisher=IAAF}}</ref> He returned to the San Sebastián Cross in 2012, but was third on that occasion.<ref>{{cite web|language=es|work=Terra|date=29 January 2012|url=http://deportes.terra.cl/otros-deportes/mike-kigen-y-nazareth-weldu-ganan-sobre-el-barro-en-san-sebastian,425308a556a25310VgnVCM4000009bf154d0RCRD.html|title=Mike Kigen y Nazareth Weldu ganan sobre el barro en San Sebastián|trans-title=Mike Kigen and Nazareth Weldu win on clay in San Sebastián|accessdate=31 January 2012}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
He is married to [[Eunice Jepkorir]], a [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] runner and Olympic silver medalist.<ref>IAAF, January 28, 2008: [http://www.iaaf.org/WXC08/news/kind=100/newsid=43054.html Menjo, Jepkorir take the spoils in San Sebastián]</ref> He is related to the similarly named runner [[Josephat Kiprono]], who has won marathons in Berlin, Rome and Rotterdam.<ref name=Focus/>
He is married to [[Eunice Jepkorir]], a [[steeplechase (athletics)|steeplechase]] runner and Olympic silver medalist.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=IAAF|date=28 January 2008|accessdate=29 April 2016|last=Valiente|first= Emeterio|url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/news/menjo-jepkorir-take-the-spoils-in-san-sebasti|title=Menjo, Jepkorir take the spoils in San Sebastián}}</ref> He is related to the similarly named runner [[Josephat Kiprono]], who has won marathons in Berlin, Rome and Rotterdam.<ref name=Focus/>


==Personal bests==
==Personal bests==
Line 40: Line 44:
! Place
! Place
|-
|-
!rowspan=5| Outdoor<br>track
!rowspan=5| Outdoor<br />track
| 1500 m || 3:38.40 || 15 July 2010 || [[Lappeenranta]]
|1500 m || 3:38.40 || 15 July 2010 || [[Lappeenranta]]
|-
|-
| 1 mile || 3:53.62 || 22 August 2010 || [[Joensuu]]
|1 mile || 3:53.62 || 22 August 2010 || [[Joensuu]]
|-
|-
| 3000 m || 7:44.15 || 18 July 2009 || [[Zaragoza]]
|3000 m || 7:44.15 || 18 July 2009 || [[Zaragoza]]
|-
|-
| 5000 m || 12:55.95 || 18 August 2010 || [[Turku]]
|5000 m || 12:55.95 || 18 August 2010 || [[Turku]]
|-
|-
| 10,000 m || 26:56.74 || 29 August 2010 || [[Turku]]
|10,000 m || 26:56.74 || 29 August 2010 || [[Turku]]
|-
|-
!rowspan=2| Road
!rowspan=3| Road
| 10&nbsp;km || 27:04 || 18 April 2010 || [[Barcelona]]
|10&nbsp;km || 27:04 || 18 April 2010 || [[Barcelona]]
⚫
|-
⚫
| 20&nbsp;km || 57:57 || 10 October 2021 || [[Paris]]
|-
| half marathon || 1:01:42 || 13 October 2010 || [[Lisbon]]
|-
|-
⚫
| Half marathon || 1:01:42 || 13 October 2010 || [[Lisbon]]
|}
|}


Line 69: Line 76:
|5th
|5th
|5000 m
|5000 m
|[[2006 African Championships in Athletics – Men's 5000 metres|14:07.39]]
⚫
|
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2007
|rowspan=2|2007
Line 90: Line 97:
|5000 m
|5000 m
|[[2008 African Championships in Athletics – Men's 5000 metres|13:56.21]]
|[[2008 African Championships in Athletics – Men's 5000 metres|13:56.21]]
|-
|2017
|[[2017 World Championships in Athletics|World Championships]]
|[[London, United Kingdom]]
|30th (h)
|5000 m
|[[2017 World Championships in Athletics – Men's 5000 metres|13:35.68]]
|}
|}


===Circuit wins===
===Circuit wins===
*{{goca}} 2007 [[San Silvestre Vallecana]]
*{{gold1}} 2007 [[San Silvestre Vallecana]]
*{{goca}} 2008 [[Cross de San Sebastián]]
*{{gold1}} 2008 [[Cross de San Sebastián]]
*{{goca}} 2008–09 [[Almond Blossom Cross Country]]
*{{gold1}} 2008–09 [[Almond Blossom Cross Country]]
*{{goca}} 2008–2010 [[Cursa de Bombers]] (course record)
*{{gold1}} 2008–2010 [[Cursa de Bombers]] (course record)
*{{goca}} 2010 [[Belgrade Race Through History]] (course record)
*{{gold1}} 2010 [[Belgrade Race Through History]] (course record)
*{{gold1}} 2017 [[Crevillent#San Silvestre|San Silvestre Crevillentina]]


==References==
==References==
Line 103: Line 118:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{iaaf name|id=206196}}
*{{World Athletics}}

{{Footer Australia NC 10,000 m Men}}

{{authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME = Menjo, Josphat Kiprono
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Josephat Menjo
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Kenyan long-distance runner
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1979-08-20
| PLACE OF BIRTH = [[Kapsabet]], [[Nandi District]], [[Kenya]]
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Menjo, Kiprono}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Menjo, Kiprono}}
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:1979 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Nandi District]]
[[Category:People from Nandi County]]
[[Category:Kenyan long-distance runners]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Rift Valley Province]]
[[Category:Male long-distance runners]]
[[Category:Kenyan male long-distance runners]]
[[Category:African Games silver medalists for Kenya]]

[[Category:African Games medalists in athletics (track and field)]]
[[de:Josphat Kiprono Menjo]]
[[Category:World Athletics Championships athletes for Kenya]]
[[fr:Josphat Menjo]]
[[Category:Athletes (track and field) at the 2007 All-Africa Games]]
[[nl:Josphat Kiprono Menjo]]
[[Category:Australian Athletics Championships winners]]
[[pl:Josphat Kiprono Menjo]]
[[fi:Josphat Kiprono Menjo]]

Revision as of 03:40, 25 June 2024

Not to be confused with Josephat Kiprono, another Kenyan runner.

Kiprono Menjo at the 2010 Lappeenranta Games

Josphat Kiprono Menjo (born 20 August 1979) is a Kenyan long-distance runner who specialises in track and road running.

A relative latecomer to athletics, Menjo began competing around 2002 and first represented his country at the 2006 African Championships in Athletics, where he was fifth in the 5000 metres. A silver medal in the event at the 2007 All-Africa Games was followed by an eighth-place finish on the global stage, running in the 10,000 metres at the 2007 World Championships in Athletics. He won the San Silvestre Vallecana 10K race at the end of the year.

He returned to the continental stage with another fifth place at the 2008 African Championships in Athletics and he continued his road success in Spain with consecutive wins at the Cursa de Bombers in 2008 and 2009. Entering into his thirties, Menjo had a career breakthrough in 2010, recording many personal bests: he won the Cursa Bombers in 27:04 minutes to become the joint third fastest over the distance and ran 26:56.74 for the 10,000 m – the fastest by any athlete that year.

Biography

Early life and career

Born in Kapsabet, Kenya, Josphat Kiprono Menjo was educated at Kapkechui primary school and went on to attend Chemundu secondary school, graduating in 1998. He was keen to further his education and hoped to become a teacher. He worked on his father's maize farm for four years before being called for military service in 2002.[1]

At Moi Airbase, he worked with world-class runners Paul Tergat and Wilson Boit Kipketer and, despite his disinterest in sport as a child, the two convinced Menjo to try his hand at running. He began to compete in various cross country and track meets at military level. He won a 5000 metres provincial race in 2004, gaining qualification into his first national championships. It was this race which sparked the Kenyan's interest: "[I] realised I had potential in the distance and, from then on, I decided to specialise in it".[1]

He experimented with longer distances at the Valladolid Half Marathon and placed third at the 2004 race with a time of 1:04:09.[2] He made the national team for the first time in 2006 with a third-place finish in the 5000 m at the Kenyan championships.[1] Representing his country, he finished fifth in the 5000 m at the 2006 African Championships

All-Africa medal

His first major international medal came in the 5000 m at the 2007 All-Africa Games, where he took a silver medal behind Moses Kipsiro. Kipsiro had a late surge to pip Menjo to the gold by a margin of .13 seconds.[1] He ran in the 10,000 metres at the 2007 World Championships and finished in eighth place. Menjo won the San Silvestre Vallecana road race on 31 December 2007.

At the 2008 African Championships in Athletics he finished fifth in the 5000 m.[3] He was the winner of the 2008 Cross de San Sebastián and took consecutive victories at the Almond Blossom Cross Country race in 2008 and 2009.[4][5] He also won twice in a row at the Cursa de Bombers 10K race with wins in 2008 and 2009.

Breakthrough year

The 2010 season marked a significant improvement in Menjo's performances, as he set a number of career bests in events ranging from 1500 metres to the half marathon.[6] He began by winning his third Cursa de Bombers race in Barcelona clocking 27:04, just three seconds slower than the world record held by compatriot Micah Kogo.[7] This course record mark elevated him to joint third in the all-time rankings over the distance.[8] He ran a 5000 m personal best in Spain later in the outdoor season, winning at the Gran Premio de Andalucía in a time of 13:02.54.[9] He further improved this to 13:00.67 at the KBC Night of Athletics and went on to win at the Lapinlahti leg of the Finnish Elite Games series of meetings in July.[10]

Continuing his rapid improvement, Menjo again lowered his 5000 m personal best to 12:55.95 in Turku, Finland.[11] He ran a 3:53.62 mile in Joensuu, Finland to set a personal best on 22 August 2010.[12] He continued his success in Finland with a win in the Tilastopaja Cup at the Paavo Nurmi Stadium, recording a personal best and world-leading time of 26:56.74.[13] With a highly successful track season behind him, he entered the Portugal Half Marathon in Lisbon and set a personal best of 1:01:42 to take second place behind road specialist Tadese Tola.[14] He signed up for the Belgrade Race Through History in October and broke the meet record, beating Eliud Kipchoge to win on the difficult 6 km course.[15] He was second to Teklemariam Medhin at the Cross Valle de Llodio.[16] He was invited to the Zatopek 10,000 metres and won the race with the fastest time since Luke Kipkosgei's race record run in 1998.[17]

He took his first win on grass in 2011 at the Cross Internacional de San Sebastián in January,[18] then went on to take a comfortable victory at the Almond Blossom Cross Country in March.[19] He did not make the Kenyan teams for the World Championship events that year, but had a season highlight for Kenya at the 2011 Military World Games, where he claimed the 10,000 m title.[20] He returned to the San Sebastián Cross in 2012, but was third on that occasion.[21]

Personal life

He is married to Eunice Jepkorir, a steeplechase runner and Olympic silver medalist.[22] He is related to the similarly named runner Josephat Kiprono, who has won marathons in Berlin, Rome and Rotterdam.[1]

Personal bests

Surface Event Time (h:m:s) Date Place
Outdoor
track 		1500 m 3:38.40 15 July 2010 Lappeenranta
1 mile 3:53.62 22 August 2010 Joensuu
3000 m 7:44.15 18 July 2009 Zaragoza
5000 m 12:55.95 18 August 2010 Turku
10,000 m 26:56.74 29 August 2010 Turku
Road 10 km 27:04 18 April 2010 Barcelona
20 km 57:57 10 October 2021 Paris
half marathon 1:01:42 13 October 2010 Lisbon
  • All information taken from IAAF profile.[6]

Competition record

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing  Kenya
2006 African Championships Bambous, Mauritius 5th 5000 m 14:07.39
2007 All-Africa Games Algiers, Algeria 2nd 5000 m 13:12.64
World Championships Osaka, Japan 8th 10,000 m 28:25.67
2008 African Championships Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 5th 5000 m 13:56.21
2017 World Championships London, United Kingdom 30th (h) 5000 m 13:35.68

Circuit wins

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Wokabi, James; Mutuota, Mutwiri (1 May 2008). "Focus on Athletes – Josphat KIPRONO MENJO". IAAF. Archived from the original on 23 December 2010. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  2. ^ "XVI Media Maratón de Valladolid. 19 de Septiembre 2004" (PDF). Valladolid Half Marathon. 19 September 2004. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  3. ^ 2008 African Championships men's 5000 metres. 2008 Addis Ababa (archived). Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  4. ^ Civai, Franco (9 March 2009). Amendoeiras em Flor (Almond Blossom) 10 km and 6 km. Association of Road Racing Statisticians. Retrieved 10 March 2010.
  5. ^ Cross de San Sebastián. Association of Road Racing Statisticians. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  6. ^ a b "Menjo Josphat Kiprono". IAAF. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  7. ^ "Menjo blazes 27:04 10Km in Barcelona". IAAF. 19 April 2010. Archived from the original on 22 April 2010.
  8. ^ "10 Kilometres All Time". IAAF. 26 September 2010. Archived from the original on 24 October 2010. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
  9. ^ Valiente, Emeterio (10 June 2010). "3000m World lead for Nuria Fernández in Huelva". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  10. ^ Sonninen, Antti-Pekka (19 July 2010). "Menjo's 5000m solo run the highlight in Lapinlahti". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  11. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 August 2010. Retrieved 22 August 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  12. ^ Sonninen, Antti-Pekka (22 August 2010). "Spencer takes the Finnish Elite Games jackpot in Joensuu". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  13. ^ Jalava, Mirko (29 August 2010). "26:56.74 10,000m world season lead set in Turku". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  14. ^ Fernandes, António Manuel (26 September 2010). "Tola and Keitany romp to Half Marathon victories in Lisbon". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  15. ^ Butcher, Pat (13 October 2010). "Menjo takes five seconds off course record in Belgrade". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  16. ^ Valiente, Emeterio (29 November 2010). "Medhin and Aguilar reign in Llodio". IAAF. Archived from the original on 1 December 2010. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  17. ^ Johnson, Len (9 December 2010). "Menjo takes Zatopek 10,000m in steamy Melbourne". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  18. ^ Valiente, Emeterio (1 February 2011). "Menjo and Fernández excel in San Sebastián XC while Cáceres eyes indoor success – Spanish weekend round-up". IAAF. Archived from the original on 2 February 2011. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
  19. ^ Fernandes, António Manuel (6 March 2011). "Kalovics and Menjo cruise to victories in Albufeira". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  20. ^ Kurdyumova, Yelena; Porada, Sergey (24 July 2011). "Strong showing by Kenya at the World Military Games in Rio de Janeiro". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
  21. ^ "Mike Kigen y Nazareth Weldu ganan sobre el barro en San Sebastián" [Mike Kigen and Nazareth Weldu win on clay in San Sebastián]. Terra (in Spanish). 29 January 2012. Retrieved 31 January 2012.
  22. ^ Valiente, Emeterio (28 January 2008). "Menjo, Jepkorir take the spoils in San Sebastián". IAAF. Retrieved 29 April 2016.
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