Philes Ongori grew up in the same village as another great female long distance runner Margaret Okayo, who is a twice winner of the New York City Marathon.

The following year she won the Kagawa Marugame Half Marathon; her time of 1:07:57 was the second fastest win recorded on the circuit.

[10] She was expected to perform well at the All-Japan Corporate Half Marathon, but it was Yukiko Akaba who took the title while Ongori ended the race in third.

[12] Her opening race of the 2009 season came at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon and she improved her best time to 1:07:50 to take third place.

[15] Her performances gained her selection for the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and although Mary Keitany went on to take a clear victory, Ongori beat Aberu Kebede in a sprint finish for the silver medal.

[17] In March the following year Ongori she ran at the Paris Half Marathon, but was again second-best behind a fellow Kenyan, this time Peninah Arusei.