Kenyans Kiplagat and Kirui will defend Boston Marathon titles next April
JOHANNESBURG - Organisers of the Boston Marathon have confirmed that this year’s Kenyan winners, Edna Kiplagat and Geoffrey Kirui, will defend their titles at the IAAF Gold Label road race on April 16, 2018.
In her Boston debut earlier this year two-time world champion Kiplagat made a decisive move with 10 kilometres remaining and went on to win in 2:21:52, the fourth-fastest winning time in the history of the race.
After Boston, she made her fourth World Championships appearance and secured the silver medal. She rounded out her season with a fourth-place finish at the New York City Marathon.
“After racing all around the world, it was so special for me to run on Boston’s historic course and experience the Boston traditions with my family,” said Kiplagat.
“I could see first-hand how special the city of Boston, all the towns along the course, and the community is to so many people. And of course, I look forward to the challenge next April of once again racing against the world’s best athletes.”
Guess who’s returning for #Boston2018 as part of @jhboston26 Elite Athlete Team — reigning champions Geoffrey Kirui & Edna Kiplagat! We’ll see you on April 16! #championsreturn https://t.co/ZZeRU2byLG
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) December 6, 2017
Like his Kenyan compatriot Kiplagat, Kirui also made his Boston debut earlier this year and faced a deep international field of major championship medallists.
Kirui ran a strategic race and, in only his third marathon, ultimately prevailed, becoming the first Kenyan winner since 2012.
Four months later, at the IAAF World Championships London 2017, Kirui decisively won the gold medal.
“2017 was a wonderful year for me with winning both Boston and the World Championships,” said Kirui. “I’m happy to return to Boston to defend my title. The tremendous atmosphere, the great history and legendary course all suit me very well.”
“In their Boston debuts last April, both Geoffrey and Edna raced with confidence from the start, pulled away late, and solidified their spots in Boston Marathon lore,” said Boston Athletic Association CEO Tom Grilk. “We’re excited to welcome these world-class athletes back.”
Further elite field announcements will be made over the next few weeks.
ANA