John Hancock has announced that 2017 Boston Marathon champions Edna Kiplagat and Geoffrey Kirui, both from Kenya, will return to Boston on April 16, 2018, to defend their titles.
Kiplagat is a two-time IAAF World Championships gold medalist, a London and New York City Marathon champion and a multiple winner of the Abbott World Marathon Majors Series.
“After racing all around the world, it was so special for me to run on Boston’s historic course and experience the Boston traditions with my family,” said Edna. “I look forward to returning to race against the world’s best athletes.”
Geoffrey is the reigning World Champion, having secured the title at this year’s IAAF World Marathon Championships in London.
“I’m happy to return to Boston to defend my title,” said Geoffrey. “The tremendous atmosphere, the great history and legendary course all suit me very well.”
This year marks John Hancock’s 33
rd
year as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.