Photo: Erik van Leeuwen—GFDL
Paul Kipsiele Koech
KenyaActive- Born
- Nov 10, 1981 (44 years old)
- Birthplace
- Kenya, Kenya
- Events
- 3000 m steeplechase · 2 Miles Short Track
- Height
- 1.70 m
- Weight
- 60 kg
Paul Kipsiele Koech is a Kenyan runner born on 10 November 1981 in Kapchepkoro, near Sotik. He specializes in the 3000 metres steeplechase, an event in which he holds a personal best of 7:54.31 minutes, the third fastest time in history. Koech won the Olympic bronze medal in the steeplechase at the 2004 Athens Games.
Despite being one of the fastest steeplechasers ever, Koech struggled at the Kenyan national trials and often missed selection for major championship teams. He nevertheless enjoyed remarkable consistency on the international circuit, competing at all seven IAAF World Athletics Final meetings and finishing in the top three every time, the only athlete to accomplish that feat. He became the inaugural Diamond League steeplechase Diamond Trophy winner in 2010 and also set world bests in the rarely contested indoor 2000 metres steeplechase, running 5:17.04 in 2010 and improving it to 5:13.77 in 2011.
Koech also found success in cross country, winning the Cinque Mulini in 2006 and the Iris Lotto Cross Cup in 2007. He holds steeplechase meet records at the Prefontaine Classic, Adidas Grand Prix, and DN Galan.
As of Nov 3, 2026: 3000 m steeplechase 7:54.31 (#4 all-time), 2 Miles Short Track 8:06.48, 2026 season best 3:59.96 (May 27, 2026, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Langata, Nairobi (KEN)) · Last competition: Athletics Kenya National Police Service Track and Field Championships, May 27, 2026, 3:59.96 · Olympic Games: 1 bronze · 44 years old
Personal bests
WA points calculator →Medals
| Competitions | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | – | – | 1 | 1 |
Progression
| Season | Discipline | Result | Wind | Date | Competitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1500m | 3:59.96 | – | May 27, 2026 | Athletics Kenya National Police Service Track and Field Championships |
| 2025 | Semi | 1:06:09 | – | Sep 6, 2025 | Millennium Half Marathon |
| 2024 | Semi | 1:04:18 | – | May 19, 2024 | Semi Marathon des Olonnes |
| 2022 | Marathon | 2:18:01 | – | Apr 17, 2022 | Izmir Marathon |
| 2020 | 3000m Indoor | 8:18.98 | – | Jan 17, 2020 | Miramas (FRA) (i) |
| 2020 | 3000m-short-track | 8:18.98 | – | Jan 17, 2020 | – |
| 2020 | 3000m-short-track Indoor | 8:18.98 | – | Jan 17, 2020 | Miramas (FRA) (i) |
| 2019 | 1500m | 3:46.97 | – | Jul 12, 2019 | Nairobi (KEN) |