In October 2023, Kurgat represented the United States in the 10000 metres at the Pan American Games, winning a bronze medal.

[2] Initially, her decision to join the track team in the ninth grade was driven more by social factors than a serious interest in athletics.

After her freshman year, she transferred to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, drawn by the opportunity to join a more competitive team and the warmer climate, a contrast to Lynchburg, Virginia.

Following her victory, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named Kurgat its National Athlete of the Year.

On 26 June 2021, Kurgat competed at the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, aiming to qualify for the 2020 Summer Games which were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other notable races contested by Kurgat include the USA 10 Mile Road Running Championships on 2 October 2022, where she finished 6th.

[9] In January, Kurgat won the 2023 USA Cross Country Championships in Richmond, Virginia, securing a place on the American national team.