Marathon titans Jepchirchir and Jepkosgei go head to head in Boston

Olympic marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir and London Marathon winner Joyciline Jepkosgei renew their rivalry at Boston Marathon set for on Monday 18 April from 4 pm (EAT).

After stellar careers in the half marathon distance, the two delved into the classic distance in 2019. 

"I am feeling good and I am feeling fit. It will be a good race because there are lots of strong ladies in this field," Jepchirchir told World Athletics in an interview. 

Jepkosgei recovered from a drop out at the 2019 London marathon to win the New York City Marathon, later that year, in 2:22:38, narrowly missing the long-standing course record.

One month later, Jepchirchir set a personal best (PB) of 2:23:50 to win the Saitama Marathon.

In December 2020 the two women clashed at the Valencia Marathon with Jepchirchir winning in 2:17:16 and Jepkosgei taking second place in a PB of 2:18:40. 

Jepchirchir achieved the ultimate prize in the sport in 2021, winning the Olympic title at the Tokyo Games. Later in the year, she won the New York Marathon in 2:22:39. 

Jepkosgei did not compete at the Olympics, but she won the London Marathon last year in a lifetime best of 2:17:43. She has her work cut out against her compatriot who has won all the three clashes the two have competed head-to-head. 

“My preparations have gone well. I have been focused on this race for the past three months. I know the course is tough, but I am prepared for it and feeling strong. I will do my best," Jepkosgei told World Athletics. 

Two other women with sub-2:20 bests are also in the field. Degitu Azimeraw, who finished second to Jepkosgei in London last year with a PB of 2:17:58, and two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat.

Kiplagat, winner in Boston in 2017, is one of the most successful marathon runners of her generation. The Kenyan’s PB of 2:19:50 was set 10 years ago, but the 42-year-old continues to be a contender in big races and finished fourth at the 2019 World Championships.

Other Kenyans on the field include Boston bronze medalist Mary Ngugi, Viola Cheptoo and Monica Ngige. 

Elite Women

Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) 2:17:16

Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) 2:17:43

Degitu Azimeraw (ETH) 2:17:58

Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50

Etagegn Woldu (ETH) 2:20:16

Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 2:20:51

Desiree Linden (USA) 2:22:38

Viola Cheptoo (KEN) 2:22:44

Charlotte Purdue (GBR) 2:23:26

Molly Seidel (USA) 2:24:42

Malindi Elmore (CAN) 2:24:50

Mary Ngugi (KEN) 2:25:20

Monicah Ngige (KEN) 2:25:32

Natasha Wodak (CAN) 2:26:19

Sara Vaughn (USA) 2:26:53

Nell Rojas (USA) 2:27:12

Stephanie Bruce (USA) 2:27:47

Dakotah Lindwurm (USA) 2:29:04

Angie Orjuela (COL) 2:29:12

Bria Wetsch (USA) 2:29:50

Maegan Krifchin (USA) 2:30:17

Elaina Tabb (USA) 2:30:33

Sydney Devore (USA) 2:32:39

Kodi Kleven (CAN) 2:32:45

Additional reporting by World Athletics