Evans Chebet sets target ahead of grand return to his 'second home'

ATHLETICS Evans Chebet sets target ahead of grand return to his 'second home'

Abigael Wafula 22:04 - 19.01.2024

Evans Chebet is eyeing a three-peat as he makes a grand return to the Boston Marathon, his home away from home.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet will be hoping to bag his third Boston Marathon title as he lines up against a strong field on Monday, April 15.

Chebet, the 2022 New York City Marathon champion will seek to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot who won the titles in 2006, 2007, and 2008 editions of the marathon.

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A prolific racer, Chebet has won six of his last seven marathons and knows the Hopkinton-to-Boston route well.

“Boston has become like a second home to me and running in Boston is always special – returning as reigning champion even more so.

"Even after having run 28 marathons during my career, the chance to race the 29th in Boston and the fans there give me the motivation necessary to prepare to defend my title.

"I look forward to hitting the streets there this spring and hearing the enthusiastic crowds along the course,” the Kenyan said.

Meanwhile, Sisay Lemma will prove to be Chebet’s greatest challenger at the event. The Ethiopian is coming off a memorable win at the Valencia Marathon in 2:01:48, making him the fourth fastest marathoner in history.

The 2023 Boston Marathon runner-up and national record holder Gabriel Geay of Tanzania has also confirmed participation at the event. His Personal Best time currently stands at 2:03:00.

The Tanzanian is surely a mainstay on the Boston road racing scene as he has also won the B.A.A. 10K twice and finished on the podium of the BA.A. Half Marathon twice. The Kenyan trio of Joshua Belet (2:04:18), Ronald Korir (2:04:22), and Cyprian Kotut (2:04:34) will also be in the mix.

Ethiopians Haftu Teklu (2:04:43) and London and New York City runner-up Shura Kitata (2:04:49) will also add spice to the deep field. Adding to the international field is Olympian and former Japanese marathon national record holder Suguru Osako, who has podiumed in Boston, Chicago, and Tokyo.

Norwegian Olympic marathoner Sondre Moen, and TCS New York City champion Albert Korir, who was fourth place in 2023 have also confirmed participation in the race.

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