44-year-old Kenyan to run 2 high-profile marathons within 3 months

Most long-distance runners, particularly in Kenya, usually hang their shoes before they hit the age of 40 due to various reasons.

However, fewer of them like the two-time Boston marathon winner Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat continues to break new barriers. 

The 44-year-old is set to feature in two high profile marathons between Sunday, January 14 and Monday, April 15.

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Kiplagat, who has a personal best of 2:19.50, will start her 2024 campaign at Sunday’s Houston Half marathon before running at the 2024 Boston Marathon.

At Houston, she will fight for the $60,000 (approximately Ksh 9,552,000) prize money with the likes of compatriot Hellen Obiri.

Other speedsters who have been confirmed for the race include Kenyan-born Israel runner Lorna Salpeter, and the Ethiopian duo of Buze Diriba and Mestawut Fikir. 

After the Houston showdown, Kiplagat will have exactly three months to prepare for Boston Marathon. 

The athlete who recently signed a contract with Puma, will be seeking to add a third Boston Marathon title in her trophy laden cabinet.

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She has previously bagged the title of the world’s oldest marathon at the 2017 and 2021 edition breaking the tape in 2:21.52 and 2:25.09 respectively.

Apart from Boston, Kiplagat has also laid her hands on two other Abbott World Marathon Majors series races. 

She triumphed at the 2010 New York City Marathon edition, crossing the finishing line in 2:28.20 before clinching the London Marathon title in 2014 (2:20.21). 

At Boston Marathon, she will go head-to-head for a podium-place finish with several star road race runners. 

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The marathon’s women’s open division entry list which was announced two days ago also has the Kenyan trio of Judith Korir, Mary Ngugi, and Vibian Chepkurui.

Defending champion Hellen Obiri and 2022 New York City Marathon winner Sharon Lokedi will also be in the contention.

Other notable names include Tadu Teshome, Worknesh Degefa, Dera Dida, Meseret Belete, Hiwot Gebremaryam, Jackie Gaughan, and Fatima Gardadi.

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Kenyan Women Confirmed for 2024 Boston Marathon

Hellen Obiri – personal best of 2:21.38

Judith Korir – personal best of 2:18.20

Sharon Lokedi – personal best of 2:23.23

Mary Ngugi – personal best of 2:20.22

Helah Kiprop – personal best of 2:21.27

Vibian Chepkurui – personal best of 2:20.59

Edna Kiplagat – personal best of 2:19.50