After a two-year absence, the Boston Marathon is making a comeback. The oldest marathon in the world will be held on Monday 18 April with a strong field. Three former winners will be on the starting line: Lawrence Cherono, defending champion, Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa, two-time winner of the event (2013 and 2015) and Geoffrey Kirui, winner in 2017.
One of the most prestigious marathons in the world is making a comeback this Monday 18 April after a two-year absence due to Covid 19: the Boston Marathon. And Kenyan Lawrence Cherono is more confident than ever to defend his title on American soil. "It has been a preparation as I have always done and not because the Boston course is difficult. I didn't do anything special in training to overcome the course. I treat every race with the seriousness it deserves," said the two-time winner of the Amsterdam Marathon.
Cherono will face some tough opponents. He will be up against two-time winner Lelisa Desisa from Ethiopia (2013 and 2015). Former half marathon world record holder Geoffrey Kamworor and 2017 champion Geoffrey Kirui will also be in the race. But Cherono remains undaunted and is looking forward to a second consecutive win. "I consider everyone a tough opponent... It would be unfair to label some as a bigger threat than others. Even a beginner is a favourite. The key is to strategically plan your race rather than worry about what your competitors will do," argues the 2019 Chicago Marathon winner.
Lawrence Cherono is one of the most prolific runners of his generation. At the Valencia Marathon in 2020, he set a time of 2h03mn04s to become the eighth fastest marathoner in history. He will lead the Kenyan men's team alongside Kamworor, Barnabas Kiptum with Kirui in reserve at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene in July.