Two-time Boston Marathon Champion Evans Chebet has his sights set on reclaiming the New York City Marathon crown after failing to defend his Boston title.
The New York City Marathon, the largest marathon in the world, is slated for November 3.
The 35-year-old secured a third-place finish with a time of 2:07:22 at the 128th edition of the Boston Marathon on April 15, with Ethiopians Mohamed Esa (2:06:58) and Sisay Lemma (2:06:17) taking the top spots.
Chebet is confident of a stronger performance at the New York Marathon and boldly declared that his intention to clinch the title.
“I have intensified my training ahead of the New York Marathon and my target is to clinch the title. I hope to be ready before the event,” he noted.
In 2022, Chebet stormed to victory in 2:08:41 to secure the New York title. He, however, was forced to pull out of the 2023 edition, where he was poised to defend his crown, due to injury.
Reflecting on his Boston performance, Chebet attributed his third-place finish to a tendon rupture but expressed satisfaction with his result.
“Before we went to the Boston Marathon I got an injury during training. My tendon raptured and I couldn't perform to the best of my ability, finishing third.”
He added: “It was a tough race. Of course I would have loved to retain my title but I am still happy with my performance,” he stated.
In 2022, Chebet clocked 2:06:51 to claim his first Boston title, leading a Kenyan podium sweep. Lawrence Cherono (2:07:21) placed second with Benson Kipruto (2:07:27) settling for third.
He returned to the Massachusetts capital in 2023, where he defended his title after clocking 2:05:54. Chebet emphasised his commitment to smooth training, working closely with physiotherapists to ensure his recovery.
“I started training two days ago. Right now, I feel my leg is okay. I have been working with my physiotherapist to ensure I get back on the road as soon as possible,” he noted.
With light 12km morning runs and careful monitoring, Chebet aims to avoid overexertion and potential setbacks.
“With the advice from my coach and doctors, I have been running 12km daily in the morning. I want my leg to adjust and heal first before I add more kilometres to my daily run,” he stated.
He also pointed out that he would not push himself because he feared a repeat of what happened last year before the New York Marathon, where he was set to defend his crown.
“Last year, I pulled out of the marathon because of injury. I am taking things easy to ensure I am fit for New York. I am hungry to reclaim my title,” Chebet stated.
