Marathon News - Cheruiyot Defends Title at Boston Marathon

Apr-16-2007

Cheruiyot Defends Title at Boston Marathon
by David Monti
(c) Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved

Kenyan Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot defended his title here today at the 111th Boston Marathon, winning a rainy and windblown race in
2:14:13 (unofficial), the slowest winning time here since 1977.

It was Cheruiyot's third victory here and he was the first man since Cosmas Ndeti to defend his title since 1995.

Compatriots James Kwambai and Stephen Kiogora finished second and third, respectively, in 2:14:33 and 2:14:47.

With his victory, Cheruiyot extended his commanding lead in the World Marathon Majors series to 75 points (race winners receive 25 points). It was his third victory in his last three marathons; he won both Boston and Chicago last year. The WMM series concludes at the ING New York City Marathon in November and the top male and female point winners will receive $500,000.

The top American was Peter Gilmore of San Mateo, Calif., who fell one place from last year to 8th in 2:16:41. It was his third top-10 finish at Boston.

Although the heavy rains at the beginning of the race tapered off, the winds remained strong and were the primary factor affecting the times.