Evans Chebet targets New York City marathon title after conquering Boston

Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet is putting in the work in Kapsabet as he trains for his debut at the New York City Marathon set for 6 November. 

The 33-year old is looking to add another Abbot Marathon Majors' title to his name when he lines up against a strong field at the largest marathon in the world. 

Chebet won his first ever major marathon title, clinching victory in a time of 2:6.51 at the Boston Marathon held in April, 2022 as he led a Kenyan sweep, with Lawrence Cherono coming in second and defending champion Benson Kipruto coming in third.

"I have been training well in Kapsabet. I needed six months of training so after Boston I took time off to recover before beginning my training some time in May. It has been a smooth ride and I have been keen to avoid injuries and be ready for New York in the best form possible. I want yo win that title," offered Chebet in an interview with Mozzart Sport. 

Chebet heads to New York with the fastest Personal Best (PB) on the field with his 2:03.00 achieved in his 2020 Valencia Marathon victory.

Such is the quality of the men’s field, defending champion Albert Korir, the only other Kenyan in the field, is not among the ten fastest entrants.

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Chebet and Korir go up against 2020 London Marathon champion Shura Kitata and Olympic silver medallist Abdi Nageeye.

Kitata finished second in New York in 2018, seven months after clocking his PB of 2:04:49 when finishing second in London which makes him the second fastest on the New York field after Chebet.

Brazil’s South American record-holder Daniel Do Nascimento is the third fastest on paper, with a PB of 2:04:51 while Dutch record-holder Nageeye and Japan’s Suguru Osako complete the top five elite list. 

"My performance in New York or any other marathon depends on the kind of preparations I have had and I have kept that in mind all along. In Boston earlier in the year, I was mentally prepared. I had failed to finish on the same course in 2018 but I was prepared to go all the way this year. 

As part of preparations for November, I have been consistent with my runs, doing the long runs, speed work and fartlek training as per my coach's instructions. Diet and recovery are equally important so I have everything in check," explained Chebet revealing that he will be travelling on 2 November to minimise the chances of having a change in environment affect his performance. 

Despite not training alongside the only other Kenyan who will lineup for the marathon as Korir is based elsewhere, Chebet beleives they can still work together on race day and ensure they bring the title back to Kenya. 

The Kenyan duo will also be wary of home runners led by two-time Olympic medallist Galen Rupp who is also among the faster entrants in the men’s race.

The four-time Olympian Rupp, will race the New York City Marathon for the first time as five-time Olympian Abdi Abdirahman races his final career marathon at age 45. 

The other standout Americans are 2016 Olympian Jared Ward, Scott Fauble, Leonard Korir as well as Shadrack Kipchirchir who will be making his debut in the classic distance. 

Ednah Kiplagat warms up for New York City Marathon with Falmouth silver

Men

Evans Chebet (KEN) 2:03:00

Shura Kitata (ETH) 2:04:49

Daniel Do Nascimento (BRA) 2:04:51

Abdi Nageeye (NED) 2:04:56

Suguru Osako (JPN) 2:05:29

Galen Rupp (USA) 2:06:07

Tadesse Abraham (SUI) 2:06:38

Mohamed El Aaraby (MAR) 2:06:55

Olivier Irabaruta (BDI) 2:07:13

Tetsuya Yoroizaka (JPN) 2:07:55

Leonard Korir (USA) 2:07:56

Albert Korir (KEN) 2:08:03

Girma Bekele Gebre (ETH) 2:08:23

Scott Fauble (USA) 2:08:52

Abdi Abdirahman (USA) 2:08:56

Marty Hehir (USA) 2:08:59

Elkanah Kibet (USA) 2:09:07

Daniele Meucci (ITA) 2:09:25

Jared Ward (USA) 2:09:25

Mick Iacofano (USA) 2:09:55

Reed Fischer (USA) 2:10:42

Nathan Martin (USA) 2:11:05

Matt Llano (USA) 2:11:14

Frank Futselaar (NED) 2:11:30

Matt Baxter (NZL) debut

Shadrack Kipchirchir (USA) debut