Champions returning to Boston in 2014

Rita Jeptoo and Lelisa Desisa, the two winners of the 2013 Boston marathon, will be returning to defend their titles in 2014.

Jeptoo of Kenya won the spring race after a fierce battle that saw her break from the field about 5K from the finish. She’s had a long and successful career, also winning Boston in 2006. This year she went on to win the Chicago marathon after her Boston win, running the fastest women’s time in the world for the season, 2:19:57.

“Winning the Boston Marathon for me in 2013 was fantastic, especially to come back and win again after 2006, has shown my potential,” said Jeptoo. “But of course my victory last year was not as important as helping the victims of the bombs and the families who were affected by the terrible tragedy. Coming back is so nice for me to try to win again and hopefully to bring some hope and joy to families and to the injured. It also will be an honour to run Boston again to show the world that we don’t give in to fear.”

Desisa, a 23-year-old Ethiopian, is quickly becoming a popular name in the Boston road running scene. This year, after winning the marathon—only his second—he returned later in the summer to race the 10K, finishing second, and then won the half-marathon this fall in a new course record. He also represented Ethiopia at the 2013 world championships in Moscow, finishing second.

“I am very excited to return to Boston this spring to show that we are united in our athletic community and are ready to stand up and show the world we are not afraid,” said Desisa. “Boston is the most historic race in our world of athletics and to win Boston means so much; it is such an honour.”

The 118th running of the popular race will be held on April 21. Both athletes will likely again be part of the very high-calibre fields the event attracts.