Boston Marathon men's race teeming with stars
Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono crosses the finish line to win the Valencia Marathon’s men’s elite race on December 5, 2021. Cherono won in two hours, five minutes and 12 seconds.
What you need to know:
- Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, who has a personal best time of 2 hours, 01 minute and 41 seconds headlines the race
- The 2019 winner Cherono missed the 2021 edition, but is looking forward to compete in the race having resumed training after winning Valencia Marathon in December
- Former New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor is also elated after being named in the Boston field saying that preparations have started in earnest
This year's Boston Marathon returns to its traditional date, April 18, Patriot's Day in United States of America for the first time since 2019.
The men's race promises to be exciting with 12 athletes whose lifetime bests fall under 2:06 part of arguably the fastest elite field ever assembled in Boston Marathon history.
Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele, who has a personal best time of 2 hours, 01 minute and 41 seconds headlines the race.
Bekele will be competing with Kenyan athletes who also boast fast times namely defending champion Benson Kipruto (2:05:13), Titus Ekiru (2:02:57), Evans Chebet (2:03:00), Lawrence Cherono (2:03:04), Geoffrey Kamworor (2:05:23) Eric Kiptanui (2:05:47) Bethwell Yegon (2:06:14) and Geoffrey Kirui (2:06:27).
Kipruto told Nation Sport he is looking forward to return to Boston Marathon, a course he enjoyed last year.
Kipruto crossed the line in 2:09:51 ahead of Ethiopia’s Lemi Berhanu Hayle who timed 2:10:37 while Jemal Yimer also from Ethiopia settled for third place in 2:10:38.
“I’m happy to go back to Boston Marathon because I now know the course. The race will be competitive because we have past winners participating but I believe in my training. I know I have to work harder,” said Kipruto.
Kipruto, who juggles his training between Nandi Hills and Kapsabet in Nandi County, wants to intensify his training in the next few weeks.
“We are back to business and in the next few weeks I will be working hard. My target is to cover more than 180km in a week as part of my build up. I will be using the same programme I used last year which helped me win,” he added.
The 2019 winner Cherono missed the 2021 edition, but is looking forward to compete in the race having resumed training after winning Valencia Marathon in December.
“I have recovered well after the Valencia Marathon race and I have now gone back to the camp to concentrate on (Boston) race ahead. My aim is to run well and be in the podium despite the stiff competition,” said Cherono who trains in Kaptagat, Elgeyo-Marakwet County.
Former New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor is also elated after being named in the Boston field saying that preparations have started in earnest.
Kamworor said that participating in Valencia Marathon where he finished fourth has motivated him to continue training after being out of competition for long due to injury.
“Finishing the Valencia Marathon race was a clear indication that I’m now in good condition. I believe that my preparations will go on well and hope to be in the podium,” said Kamworor.
Ekiru, the fastest marathoner in the world last year having run 2:02:57 in Milan Marathon, Evans Chebet and Albert Korir, the New York City Marathon winner, will also be eyeing podium places.
“The world’s best athletes come to Boston every year aiming to join the family of Boston Marathon champions,” said B.A.A. President and CEO Tom Grilk.
“This year we’re anticipating one of the best competitions in history as Olympic medalists, Boston Marathon champions, Abbott World Marathon Majors winners, and up-and-coming talents square off on the roads leading to the famed Boylston Street finish line.”
