Geoffrey Kirui eyes successful defence at Boston Marathon

Kenya's Geoffrey Kipkorir Kirui wins the men's marathon at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in central London on August 6, 2017. PHOTO | GLYN KIRK |

What you need to know:

  • He will be teaming up with Evans Chebet, Felix Kandie, Toronto Marathon champion Philemon Rono and Nobert Kigen.
  • The women’s category consists of defending champion Edna Kiplagat, Gladys Chesir and 2015 champion Caroline Rotich.

Boston Marathon men’s defending champion Geoffrey Kirui is confident of retaining his crown at this year's editon of the race set for Monday at 4pm Kenyan time.

Kirui, who changed his training base from Keringet to Kaptagat in Elgeyo Marakwet, says he got some advice from Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and Geoffrey Kamworor.

"I'm ready for the task ahead of me and I'm looking forward to a good race. I want to be on the podium,” said the athlete, before he left for Boston last week.

"The line up is competitive and I had to change my training for better results. I went to Kaptagat for about three weeks where I was able to train with Eliud Kipchoge and the World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor,” said Kirui.

After his win in Boston last year, he was selected to represent Kenya in the World Championships in London where he bagged gold.

But Kirui is wary of a rich field that includes Chicago Marathon champion Galen Rupp of the US.

"The field has good athletes and I know it will be competitive but I will do my best to be on the podium," he said.

He will be teaming up with Evans Chebet, Felix Kandie, Toronto Marathon champion Philemon Rono and Nobert Kigen.

The women’s category consists of defending champion Edna Kiplagat, Gladys Chesir and 2015 champion Caroline Rotich.

Bank of Africa has organised a viewerthon party at Stevenice Hotel in Kapsabet, Nandi County, where athletes will be taken through various topics including how to invest.