NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12 – Having conquered four of the six world major marathons, World Record holder Eliud Kipchoge will be on target number five when he debuts in Boston in April, and he regards this as a ‘special race’ in the Americas.
This will be the 10th anniversary of the unfortunate bombing incident at the Marathon, and this is what will be special for Kipchoge, a big crusader of sports for peace,
On April 15, 2013, two terrorists planted two homemade pressure cooker bombs, which detonated 14 seconds apart near the finish line of the race, killing three people and injuring hundreds of others, including 17 who lost limbs.
“The reason number one I am excited is because this year will be the 10th anniversary of the bomb attack in Boston and I feel I should be there to be with them at this time and also send positive vibes around the world and show that we are brothers and sisters,” Kipchoge told Capital Sports.
He added; “We need to show the world that we are one and that sports is what brings us together and promotes peace.”
Apart from the sentimental attachment towards the 2023 Boston Marathon, Kipchoge will be getting inches closer towards a massive target he has set for himself, becoming the first man to win all the six major marathons.
With London, Chicago, Berlin and Tokyo all under his belt, Kipchoge will now be chasing the Boston rabbit and he is excited ahead of the challenge.
“I am excited to be setting foot on the streets of Boston. So far, my preparations are going on well and I am really looking forward to run a good race,” noted the double Olympic champion.
He is among a group of eight Kenyans who will compete on the streets of Boston.
Also confirmed for the race is defending champion Evans Chebet and 2021 winner Benson Kipruto as well as compatriots John Korir, Norbert Kigen, Albert Korir, Michael Githae and Mark Korir.
After Boston, Kipchoge’s next confirmed race is the Paris Olympic Games in 2024, where he will seek to become the first person to win the Olympic title three times.
But, before then, the allure of completing the perfect six with the New York Marathon in November might tempt him. He will have six months between Boston and New York, and another six to the Olympic Games, and this might be a serious consideration.
However, in true Kipchoge fashion, the Greatest Marathoner of All Time is not letting the cat out of the bag.
“I always say that I chase one rabbit at a time and this time, all my focus is on Boston. After that, maybe I will think about what is next,” noted Kipchoge.
If this happens, then the 2024 Olympic Games might just be the last time we are watching the GOAT run, as he will be a few months to his 40th birthday by then.