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. In May she won at the Sotokoto Safari Half Marathon in Kenya, defeating Helena Kiprop in the process. At the Kenyan Track and Field Championships she was third over 10,000 m, behind Linet Masai and Lineth Chepkurui. 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. This helped Kenya to the women's team title at the event.