Tomorrow, more than 30,000 professional and amateur marathoners will compete in the 127th edition of the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon. Among them is a star‑studded Kenyan team led by Eliud Kipchoke, the greatest marathoner of our time. Kipchoke holds the men’s world record (2:01:09) and four of the six fastest marathon times ever recorded. This will be his Boston debut as he strives to win all six marathon majors. To conquer Boston’s course—from Hopkinton to Boylston Street—Kipchoke must overcome challenges such as the infamous Heartbreak Hill. He will rely on his training in Kaptagat, Elgeyo‑Marakwet County—the “Home of Champions”—where his regimen has included “Boston‑like” hill work for the past few months.
Joining Kipchoke in Boston are defending champion Evans Chebet, 2021 winner Benson Kipruto, John Korir, Norbert Kigen, Mark Korir, Michael Githae and Allan Korir. They will face Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa, the 2015 Boston champion, and Shura Kitata. Leading the Kenyan women’s contingent is Elgeyo‑Marakwet’s own Edna Kiplagat, winner of the 2017 and 2021 Boston Marathons. Her teammates include Sheila Chepkirui, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Angela Tanui, Fancy Chemutai, Celestine Chepchirchir, Maureen Chepkemoi, Mary Ngugi, Vibian Chepkirui, Viola Cheptoo and Hellen Obiri.
Kenya has dominated the Boston Marathon for over three decades. In the men’s race, Kenyan runners have won 24 of the last 34 editions—a 70.59 % win rate—since Ibrahim Hussein’s victory in 1988. From 1991 to 2000, Kenyan men won every Boston Marathon. In the women’s race, Kenyan athletes have claimed 14 of the last 22 titles—a 63.6 % win rate—since Catherine Ndereba’s first win in 2000. The men’s course record belongs to Kenya’s Geoffrey Mutai (2:03:02, 2011), while the women’s record is held by Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Deba (2:19:59, 2014).
Kenya’s dominance extends beyond Boston. Kipchoke has an almost perfect marathon record, losing only twice in 17 starts: to fellow Kenyan Wilson Kipsang at the 2013 Berlin Marathon and, more recently, at the 2020 London Marathon after a blocked ear caused his first defeat in seven years following ten consecutive victories. Kipchoke is the 2016 and 2020 Olympic marathon champion and will aim for an Olympic marathon hat‑trick at the 2024 Paris Games.
As our champions race through Boston tomorrow, Kenyans of all walks of life and political persuasions will watch united as one. Our athletes inspire pride, challenge us, and bring us together. For the people of Elgeyo‑Marakwet, the excitement is even greater because many of our champions train and live in our beautiful county. Edna Kiplagat is a daughter of the county, and Kipchoke trains at our border with Uasin Gichu County in Kaptagat. While many theories attempt to explain Kenya’s long‑distance supremacy, the hospitality, culture, food and spirit of our county are undeniable ingredients in that success.
We take pride in nurturing world champions who fly our flag high, unite the nation, and boost our national brand. As we cheer the Kenyan runners in Boston, let us celebrate the unity and strength of our great nation. Kenya is like a marathon, and as Eliud Kipchoke says, “Pain is part of success. When you encounter pain, learn to persevere, because that is where success lies. If you feel you must quit, you are not near success—don’t quit, press on.” May the spirit of Elgeyo‑Marakwet guide our runners in Boston!
*The writer is an economist and the Governor of Elgeyo‑Marakwet County.*
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