Cynthia Limo eyes Boston Marathon glory and global comeback

Seasoned long-distance runner Cynthia Jerotich Limo has long dreamed of competing in the Boston Marathon.

Despite her team’s determined efforts in 2023 and 2024 to secure her a slot, their attempts initially fell short, leaving Limo disappointed but undeterred.

The missed opportunity only fueled her resolve to keep training, trusting that her moment would eventually come.

Her perseverance paid off when, at the dawn of the New Year, Limo received the long-awaited news: she had been included in the elite athletes’ lineup for the 2025 Boston Marathon in April.

The reigning Honolulu Marathon champion, who would typically take an extended break following a series of demanding races late last year, has returned to intense training.

With Boston’s challenging course awaiting her, she is determined to deliver a memorable performance.

“Boston is a big race with a huge following and a rich history. I hope to mark my debut with a medal. I know there will be pressure, and the spotlight will be on the big names, but I’m determined to win or at least finish in the top three,” Limo told SportsBoom.com.

The Boston Marathon is renowned for its grueling nature. Its hilly terrain demands exceptional physical and mental endurance from competitors.

With elite runners regularly making up the field, the race poses an uphill battle for any first-time participant.

Aware of the formidable challenge ahead, Limo remains undaunted. “This will be my first time participating in a World Marathon Major. I wanted to do it earlier, but it didn’t work out. Now that I have the opportunity, I’m going all in,” she said.

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Limo’s inclusion in the Boston elite list stems from her impressive performance in 2024, during which she raced in three full marathons, winning the Honolulu and Nairobi City marathons and finishing sixth in Hamburg.

She also excelled in two half marathons, clinching victory in New Delhi and placing fourth in New York.

“I think the results I achieved in 2024 played a significant role in my selection. I worked hard, and I’m glad my efforts paid off. The races I competed in restored my confidence and prepared me for Boston’s course,” Limo remarked.

Beyond Boston, Limo has her sights set on earning a place in the Kenyan team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 13-21.

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She last represented Kenya in 2016 at the World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, where she claimed a silver medal.

“It’s my prayer to represent Kenya again at a global event. I believe a strong performance in Boston will open that door. Nothing compares to the pride of wearing the Kenyan kit and winning medals for the country,” she added.

Athletics Kenya (AK) will likely closely monitor Limo’s performance in Boston as they finalize their lineup for Tokyo.

With top contenders like world record holder Ruth Chepngetich expected to make the team, Limo knows that a podium finish in Boston could be her ticket back to the international stage.

For Limo, Boston is more than just a race—it’s a gateway to redemption and a potential springboard to another chapter of global success.