Africa-Press – Kenya. The 2024 Olympic marathon bronze medallist Benson Kipruto will be out to rattle the established pecking order as he bids to recapture his Boston Marathon crown today (Monday).
Kipruto’s deep familiarity with the Boston course makes him a threat ahead of today’s clash. He announced himself in style on debut in 2021, storming to a memorable victory in 2:09:51.
Ethiopia’s Lemi Berhanu (2:10:37) and Jemal Mekonen (2:10:38) trailed him home in second and third, respectively. He returned the following year to clock 2:07:27 for third place in a Kenyan podium sweep, as Evans Chebet surged to victory in 2:06:51 ahead of Lawrence Cherono (2:07:21).
Kipruto maintained his consistency in his 2023 outing, once again finishing third in 2:06:06, with Chebet reclaiming top honours in 2:05:54 and Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay second in 2:06:04.
For Kipruto, that course knowledge could prove decisive as he eyes another Boston triumph. “It is quite an advantage to know the course, having run here before, and to understand where to attack and where to ease off to conserve energy,” he said.
The 35-year-old will also draw confidence from a strong close to his 2025 campaign, capped by victory at the New York City Marathon. “In recent years, I have been running well in America.
I feel good. Coming to New York last year and running well has given me morale,” he added. At the New York showdown in November, Kipruto clocked 2:08:09 to edge compatriot Alexander Munyao, with both athletes credited with the same time.
Britain’s Patrick Dever completed the podium in 2:08:58. Since then, Kipruto has sharpened his edge in training, linking up with compatriots Sabastian Sawe and Cybrian Kotut as he fine-tunes for Boston.
“After New York, I took a slight break and returned to training. I have been training with Sabastian Sawe and Cybrian Kotut, as well as other athletes,” he said.
However, standing in his path is defending champion John Korir, who’ll be eager to protect his crown. Korir delivered a dominant display in last year’s edition, breasting the tape in 2:04:45.
Tanzania’s Alphonse Simbu followed in 2:05:04, while Kotut secured third in the same time. The champion has since upped the ante in training, increasing his mileage as he gears up for another assault on the Boston course.
“My training has been good, and I don’t have any injuries. I increased my mileage from 250km per week to 270km,” Korir revealed. “Now I am really in good shape. I am hoping to do well,” he added.
Korir has already signalled his intent for another dominant campaign, opening his season with authority at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour on February 14. There, he powered through the senior men’s 10km, clocking 29:44 to take top honours ahead of Amos Kiprotich and Silas Senchura, who both timed 29:46.
Adding more depth to the Boston men’s field is world marathon champion Simbu, alongside a formidable cast that includes 2025 Sydney Marathon champion Hailemaryam Kiros, 2024 New York Marathon winner Abdi Nageeye and 2024 Berlin Marathon champion Milkesa Mengesha.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s hopes will rest on defending champion Sharon Lokedi. The 32-year-old claimed the crown last year, surging to victory in 2:17:22 after outkicking Hellen Obiri, who clocked 2:17:41.
Yalemzerf Yehualaw completed the podium in 2:18:06. Lokedi kicked off her 2026 season with a strong statement at the New York half-marathon on March 15, timing 1:07:10 to finish second behind Obiri, who set a course record of 1:06:33.
Britain’s Megan Keith sealed third in 1:07:13. Lokedi will be flanked by a solid Kenyan contingent featuring 2025 Chicago Marathon runner-up Irine Cheptai, debutant Loice Chemnung and experienced campaigner Mary Ngugi-Cooper. They will, however, have to navigate a stern challenge from 2024 Sydney Marathon champion Workenesh Edesaa and Tanzania’s Magdalena Shauri.
