• At the New York Marathon slated for November 3, Chebet is scheduled to flex muscles with Olympic champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia and Olympic silver medallist Bashir Abdi of Belgium.
• Chebet secured the 2022 New York title with a time of 2:08:41 leading Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata (2:08:54) and Netherland’s Abdi Nageeye (2:10:31).
Image: HANDOUT
Despite missing out on a podium finish at the Great North Run on Sunday, two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet says his plan to reclaim the New York Marathon is still on course.
Chebet finished fifth with a time of 1:02:15 with Abel Kipchumba (59:52), Britain’s Marc Scott (1:01:11) and Norway’s Sondre Moen (1:01:25) securing the podium.
In an interview on Tuesday, the 35-year-old revealed that his strategy was all about keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of the New York showdown.
“I was keeping my cards close so as not to reveal anything to my competitors. My resolve to reclaim the New York title is still on course and I am confident,” Chebet said.
At the New York Marathon slated for November 3, Chebet is scheduled to flex muscles with Olympic champion Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia and Olympic silver medallist Bashir Abdi of Belgium.
Chebet secured the 2022 New York title with a time of 2:08:41 leading Ethiopia’s Shura Kitata (2:08:54) and Netherlands’ Abdi Nageeye (2:10:31).
He did not feature in the 2023 edition which saw Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola (2:04:58), Albert Korir (2:06:57) and Kitata (2:07:11) claim the podium.
Sunday’s race marked Chebet’s first competition since recovering from an injury sustained earlier this year. The race was part of his buildup for the New York Marathon.
“This was my first race after my injury. I have now fully recovered and my body is now up to the task,” he noted.
Chebet suffered an injury during the Boston Marathon in April but still managed a podium finish, clocking 2:07:22 for third place behind Ethiopian Sisay Lemma (2:06:17) and Mohamed Esa (2:06:58).
Despite finishing outside the podium, Chebet says he was happy with his the results. “I was happy with my performance and so was my coach and management. I tried my best and was able to finish,” Chebet revealed.
He also pointed out that the weather was a challenge to him. “The weather was a challenge because it started raining two kilometres after the start of the race,” he highlighted.
After arriving back in the country on Tuesday morning, Chebet hopes to resume training today with his focus on speed work. “I will resume training today focusing mostly on speed work,” he said.
Looking ahead, Chebet is focused on securing a third Boston Marathon win next year. “After New York, I will start preparing for next year’s Boston Marathon, where I am looking to win a third title.”
He also hinted at participating at the 2025 World Championships if he is included in Team Kenya. “If I make the qualifying time and make Team Kenya for the World Championships, I will be happy to participate and fight for the title,” he said.
The entry standard for the marathon is 2:06:30 with the qualification period running from November 2023 to May 2025.