Joyciline Jepkosgei eyeing Boston Marathon title

London Marathon 2021 champion, Kenya Defence Forces' Joyciline Jepkosgei is set to take on a strong field at this year's Boston Marathon set for 17 April. 

After relinquishing her London Marathon title to Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw last year, Jepkosgei is looking to bag another major title as she redeems herself from last year's performance in Boston as well. 

Lokedi, Jepkosgei among Kenyans headlining Boston Marathon field

In a race won by compatriot, Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Jepkosgei finished seventh in Boston, clocking 2:24.43. 

She heads to the City of Boston as the third fastest runner on paper in the elite list with a personal best (PB) time of 2:17.42. 

Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso headlines the list with a PB of 2:14.58 while Valencia bronze medalist Sheila Chepkirui is second with 2:17.29. 

"In London last year, I tried to keep up with the leading pack but when Yehualaw kicked, I could not keep up. I was, however, content with how I ran. 

The focus is now on preparing for Boston. The field is strong and everyone comes in prepared to be on the podium so I have to be well prepared. I am targeting the title there," Jepkosgei said moments after finishing second at this year's KDF cross country championships. 

Nine of the entered athletes have PBs under 2:20, while 16 have dipped under 2:21 setting the stage for exciting battles. 

Among them are Kenya’s two-time Boston Marathon winner Edna Kiplagat and Ethiopia’s Beriso, who ran the third fastest time in history, 2:14:58, to win the Valencia Marathon in December, while Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi won in New York last year when making her marathon debut.

Ababel Yeshaneh of Ethiopia and Mary Ngugi of Kenya finished second and third, respectively, in Boston last year and return with hopes of claiming the top spot on the podium.