Kenya had double reason to smile at the Boston Marathon on Monday 18th, 2022, as two of their own won big. While reigning Olympic champion long-distance runner
Peres Jepchirchir bagged the women’s title, Evans Chebet dominated to claim the men’s title at the world’s oldest marathon.
Recall, the 125th Boston Marathon was first postponed, then called off due to the COVID-19 pandemic — it marked the first cancellation since the event began in 1897 — in 2021, it was postponed until October.
The last time Kenya took the top three spots on the podium was in 2012 , reports say.
“I’m celebrating this very much because this is my first victory in a major race and I tried very hard. I went to London and ended up in position four. I went to Tokyo and earned position four. So, I’m celebrating this day a lot.” 33-year-old Chebet said.
Jepchirchir, last year’s New York Marathon champion, won her Boston debut by taking her fifth victory in a row since 2019 in 2:21: and 01. She won by edging Ethiopia’s Ababel Yeshaneh in the final strides, taking her fifth victory in a row since 2019 in 2:21:01.
“When I arrived to 41km, I knew was going to win the race,” Jepchirchir said. “I was just keeping the energy for the finishing. Ababel was so strong. For me, it was just keeping my energy for the finishing kick.
“I just believed in myself. I usually have hope. When you see the tape for finishing, that’s when the strength comes.”
Jepchirchir ranked Boston among her greatest victories.
“My target I was … want to run a streak or run course record, but due to the circumstances I could not make it, but I’m grateful that I won.” The excited Peres Jepchirchir said.
“It means a lot to me,” she said. “I believe in myself more. I still have more victories to come.”
