The 2022 New York City Marathon champion Evans Chebet is keen to defend his Boston Marathon title when he lines up against a competitive field on April 17, 2023.
Chebet, the second runner’s-up at the 2019 Berlin Marathon, said retaining the title he won this year in 2:06:51 is his main focus. Chebet added that winning the New York City Marathon was motivation enough for him to return to Boston and try to execute a good run.
“My primary focus is to defend my title. Boston will be my opening race of the season. Winning in New York was a morale booster. It made me believe I’m capable,” Chebet said.
The race will not be short of competition with the presence of current world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge and Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa, the 2019 world marathon champion.
However, Chebet insists he is not afraid of the competition.
“I am aware of the elite athletes expected but I’m not afraid. I am confident I will achieve my target,” he said.
The 2020 Valencia Marathon champion revealed he is already back in training, adding that he doesn’t intend to change his program unless his coach, Claudio Berardelli, has other plans.
Chebet said he is equally inspired by his training mates' recent performances. Amos Kipruto won the London Marathon while Benson Kipruto, who is also lined up for Boston, won the Chicago Marathon.
“I will not change my program in training since it has helped my training mates win their respective marathons. However, I am waiting to see what my coach has in store for me,” he said, adding that he hopes to be injury-free.
Chebet put his 2023 World Championships ambitions on the knife edge since he also has New York City Marathon title defence in his plans.
However, he is keen on running at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chebet said his 2022 season was a success and can only hope for better going forward.
“Winning two major marathons this year was a great achievement. The season has been amazing. I hope to replicate the same next year,” he concluded.
