Geoffrey Mutai returns to Boston Marathon this April with the aim of recapturing the title he won in 2011. Mutai posted his fastest time ever in an ineligible course record of 2:03.02 when he won the event five years ago.
The time was, however, not ratified by IAAF because Boston course does not meet the criteria to be eligible for the mark. “I am going back to Boston with a view of winning the race. That has been my favourite course and I hope to reign again,” said Mutai, who is also the two-time New York City Marathon winner.
Mutai, who is training with the reigning and former world marathon record holders Dennis Kimetto and Wilson Kipsang at Kapng’etuny in Elgeyo Marakwet County, said he is ready for the battle.
He will be up against his compatriots Wesley Korir (2012), Sammy Kitwara and Wilson Chebet, who finished third last year. Ethiopian Lesisa Desisa will also be present to defend his title. “I am feeling comfortable this year unlike last year when I had an injury. In short, I am equal to the task ahead,” Mutai added.
Mutai, who failed to represent Kenya at the 2002 World Junior Championships due to lack of birth certificate, made his marathon debut with a second finish at the 2007 Kass Marathon in Eldoret.
“It is not easy to lower the course record this time especially considering that the last time I did it was five years ago. Victory depends on a number of issues including the weather conditions, fitness and general competition,” said Mutai, who has 12 gold medals from World Marathon Majors and half marathon under his belt.