Renowned Kenyan marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic champion and world record holder, is looking to add another major accomplishment to his career by participating for the first time in the Boston Marathon next Monday. With four wins in the world’s major marathons (Berlin, Tokyo, London, and Chicago), Kipchoge only needs to win in Boston and New York to complete his six world marathon major crowns. Despite his 38 years, Kipchoge is focused on his goal and doesn’t think about his age. In his mind, he only wants to win and follow the program that his coach has set for him.
The Boston course is known for its considerable elevation gain, which doesn’t seem to intimidate Kipchoge, as he has checked out the toughest parts of the course and believes it’s a good course. The marathon will also have strong competition with the presence of five female athletes who have gone under two hours and 18 minutes, including Amane Beriso, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Lonah Salpeter, and Gotytom Gebreslase. In the men’s category, Kipchoge will have to face compatriots Evans Chebet, winner of Boston and New York, and Benson Kipruto, winner of Boston and Chicago.
In addition, the marathon will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the bombing that killed three people and injured 264 near the finish line in 2013. Chechen-born brothers Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev were responsible for the attack, with Tamerlan gunned down three days later and Dzhokhar sentenced to death. Despite this, the city of Boston has managed to recover, and the marathon is a symbol of resilience and unity in the community.
In short, Kipchoge is focused on his goal of winning his fifth major marathon in Boston and completing all six major marathon crowns. Although the competition will be tough, Kipchoge is undeterred and ready to meet the challenge. In addition, the marathon will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the tragic 2013 bombing, but the city of Boston has managed to overcome adversity, and the marathon is a symbol of resilience and unity in the community.