Edna Kiplagat finally crowned the 2021 Boston Marathon champion in a special ceremony

The 2010 New York City Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat was over the moon to have received her medal and laurel wreath as the 2021 Boston Marathon champion.

The award comes after compatriot Diana Kipyokei was slapped with a six-year ban and had her 2021 Boston Marathon title stripped since she tested positive for a metabolite of triamcinolone acetonide (a corticosteroid) from a sample given after she won the Boston Marathon in October 2021.

Kiplagat, 43, extended a hand of gratitude to the Athletics Integrity Unit, The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, and the Boston Marathon fraternity for ensuring that she is awarded her gong. Mary Ngugi, who placed third in the race will also be elevated to second place.

“I was so happy today to receive my laurel wreath and medal as the 2021 Boston Marathon champion. This means so much to me and my family. Thank you, Boston Marathon, the AIU, and CAS Switzerland for completing this case successfully,” Kiplagat posted on her Twitter account.

Kiplagat will be making a return to this year’s Boston Marathon in a quest for a third title. She will be up against big names including Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso, the fastest in the field, Kenyan-Israeli runner Lonah Salpeter and Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia a world champion.

She will enjoy the company of the 2021 London Marathon champion Joycilline Jepkosgei, two-time world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri, Angela Tanui, Fancy Chemutai, and Celestine Chepchirchir. Maurine Chepkemoi, Ngugi, Vibian Chepkirui, and Viola Cheptoo will also be in the mix.