Kenyan runner Evans Chebet gears up to make his mark for the third time at the prestigious Boston Marathon 2024. After winning the event in 2022 and 2023, Chebet’s athletic prowess is going to be on display once again. Born and raised in the heart of Kenya, Chebet had a humble beginning. Along his journey, the individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping his journey are his parents.  

They ensured that amid all the hardships, Chebet held his head high and came out victorious. The Scrawny kid who had never raced on the track is now 34 and won both Boston and New York City Marathons. Let ut take a look at the journey of Evans, indeed it’s a rough road, but he went through all those just because his own people stood by him.

Keeping the dream alive, even amid trying times

Chebet is the eighth of nine children. Chebet’s father, Kipyesang, was a successful distance runner, winning numerous trophies in the 5,000- and 10,000-meter events. However, he tragically passed away from cancer when Chebet was just a young boy. Though Chebet has no memory of his father, the financial hardships that ensued after his death are still very real in his mind. “We had enough to eat just two meals a day,” he says, “and dinner wasn’t much—just a little githeri [a mixture of corn and beans]. I always felt like I had to support my family.” Although not money, his father left in him a more important thing that his mother pointed out.

Chebet’s mother, Wanjiro, who runs a small restaurant, would point to Kipyesang’s photo, reminding him of his father’s legacy, “Run like your father. He left the talent to you.” In an interview, Wanjiro had a proud look, “When Evans was young, he was running all the time—up and down through the hills,” she says. “And every time he came home, he was stretching.” She always had the belief in her son to become a champion. This support has kept him doing wonders on the track. Now, he is on the verge of another.

Road to Boston Marathon 2024 glory is not easy

Evans Chebet never raced on the track and only began running as a teenager in 2006. Now he is aiming for a third consecutive victory in the 2024 race on April 15th. Chebet, an experienced marathoner, has won six of his last seven 26.2-mile races. While speaking to B.A.A. he said, “Boston has become like a second home to me and running in Boston is always special – returning as reigning champion even more so. Even after having run 28 marathons during my career, the chance to race the 29th in Boston and the fans there give me the motivation necessary to prepare to defend my title.” However, there will be several talents to make his work difficult.

There will be Sisay Lemma, who at the 2023 Valencia Marathon shattered the course record with a time of 2:01:48, surpassing Kelvin Kiptum’s world record by five seconds. Meanwhile, Gabriel Geay from Tanzania, a runner-up last year, emerges as a formidable contender. Interestingly, Geay’s personal best of 2:03:00 ties with that of Chebet. It remains to be seen if Chebet can cruise through these challenges to complete his three-peat!

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