BOSTON, United States, Dec 18 – Kenya’s Lawrence Cherono will defend his Boston Marathon title next year after organizers confirmed he will be part of the elite list of athletes for the 124th edition on April 20th.
Cherono won this year’s race by two seconds over two-time winner Lelisa Desisa who has also been confirmed to race next year alongside 2017 winner Geoffrey Kirui.
“Boston will have a special place in my memories forever,” said Cherono, who has won eight marathons, most recently Chicago in October. “I loved every mile of this race and fought until the end to achieve the first place and become part of the elite family to have won the most prestigious race of the world.”
Also part of the race is 2018’s surprise winner Yuki Kawauchi of Japan
Meanwhile, Caroline Rotich and 2017 champion Edna Kiplagat have also been confirmed as part of the women’s race and will compete against reigning champion Worknesh Degefa of Ethiopia.
Home girl Des Linden has also been confirmed for the race and will hope to triumph on home soil.
“The Boston Marathon has always been the most motivating race on my schedule. I hope to stand on the start line in Hopkinton as the first US Woman to have made three Olympic Marathon teams,” said the 36-year old.
-Additional info courtesy World Athletics.
