Eliud Kipchoge

38-year-old Marathon world record holder Eliud Kipchoge makes his long-awaited Boston Marathon debut, as the race marks the 10th anniversary of the bombing that took place on April 15, 2013.

It’s the first time Kipchoge is participating in the Boston Marathon, which he terms a “new challenge”.

“This is a new challenge. It is like a championship in which we need to win a gold medal,” he said.

“The race in Boston is uphill and needs a lot of patience and hard work. It is also unpredictable in terms of the weather conditions and I am preparing for all conditions,” Kipchoge adds.

According to the marathon world record holder, he is keen on setting new records in all six Abbott World Marathon Majors.

“I do not only want to participate in all six Abbott World Marathon Majors but I want to set a course record in at least half of them. I already have one for London, Tokyo, and Berlin.

According to the Boston Athletic Association (BAA), Kipchoge will pocket Ksh20 million ($150,000) if he emerges first in the 42- kilometer race.

BAA also has a separate cash reward if the serial winner sets a new course record.

The current record in the men’s open division is held by Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai, who clocked a time of 2:03:02 more than a decade ago in 2011.

The Boston Marathon route starts in Hopkinton, through the hills around Newton, and ends downhill in Boston and is touted as one of the most difficult races in the Abbott six.

Kipchoge will battle it out with Kenyan athlete Evans Chebet, who won the title in 2022, and 2021 winner Benson Kipruto.