Oklahoma State University Athletics
Billah Jepkirui named USTFCCCA National Athlete of the Week following Cowboy Jamboree victory
September 28, 2026 | Cowgirl Cross Country & Track
STILLWATER – After her record-setting performance at the Cowboy Jamboree this past weekend, Oklahoma State distance runner Billah Jepkirui was named U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) National Athlete of the Week, the organization announced Monday.
Jepkirui is just the second Cowgirl in program history to be named National Athlete of the Week during the cross country season, joining Natalie Cook, who won the award following her Jamboree victory in 2022. Jepkirui broke the Jamboree meet record and the Greiner Family OSU Cross Country course record with her time of 19:24.4, breaking the previous course record of 19:27.7 set by national champion Katelyn Tuohy at the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships.
She worked her way through the field throughout, starting 24th through the 1K split before eventually taking the lead from two-time NCAA champion Jane Hedengren of BYU with just over 200 meters remaining as she stormed to her second career Jamboree win (2023). Overall, Jepkirui's performance helped the Cowgirls upset No. 2 New Mexico by six points in their first meet of the regular season.
For more information on the Cowboys and Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.
Jepkirui is just the second Cowgirl in program history to be named National Athlete of the Week during the cross country season, joining Natalie Cook, who won the award following her Jamboree victory in 2022. Jepkirui broke the Jamboree meet record and the Greiner Family OSU Cross Country course record with her time of 19:24.4, breaking the previous course record of 19:27.7 set by national champion Katelyn Tuohy at the 2022 NCAA Cross Country Championships.
She worked her way through the field throughout, starting 24th through the 1K split before eventually taking the lead from two-time NCAA champion Jane Hedengren of BYU with just over 200 meters remaining as she stormed to her second career Jamboree win (2023). Overall, Jepkirui's performance helped the Cowgirls upset No. 2 New Mexico by six points in their first meet of the regular season.
For more information on the Cowboys and Cowgirls, continue to check back with okstate.com.
Players Mentioned
Distance
/ Cowgirl Cross Country & TrackTuesday, September 29
Tuesday, September 29
Monday, September 28
Monday, September 28
