Exclusive: Kenya's Cynthia Jerotich Limo Prepares for Boston Marathon and Global Comeback

Seasoned long-distance runner Cynthia Limo had listed gracing the Boston Marathon as one of her resolutions in 2023 and 2024.

However, despite her handlers mounting a spirited hunt for a slot in Boston, their efforts did not bear fruit much to the disappointment of Limo, who was eager to make her debut in World Marathon Major.

The disappointment triggered by the missed opportunity to race in the world's oldest annual marathon did not dampen Limo's resolve, as she continued to play her part hoping that fortunes would be in her favour one day.

The New Year was truly a happy one for Limo, as her long-held prayers were answered with the inclusion of her name in the list of elite athletes earmarked to light up this year's edition of the Boston Marathon in April.

The reigning Honolulu Marathon champion would typically have an extended rest period following the gruelling races she participated in late last year, but the good news from Boston have dragged her back to training as she seeks to produce something special on American soil.

EYES ON PODIUM FINISH

The Boston course is one of the toughest in the world, as its hilly nature tests the resolve and strength of the athletes to great lengths.

Only the strongest of the strong both physically and mentally manage to lay hands on the top prize or make it to the podium.

The fact that the organisers have consistently settled for the big guns each year, makes the race tougher, with newcomers often struggling.

It is not lost on Limo that these are some of the challenges she will have to confront head-on and overcome in Eastern Massachusetts on April 21, if she is to attain her goal of finishing in the top three.

The 35-year-old, who resumed training at Iten earlier in the week, told SportsBoom.com that she is not afraid of the strong field she will be up against, nor will lack of experience in a major race stop her from securing a medal.

"This will be my first time participating in Boston Marathon and a World Major. I wanted to do it last year and in 2023, but I was not successful. Boston is a big race with a huge following and a rich history on it. I hope to mark my debut with a medal. I know there will be a lot of pressure and that the focus will be primarily on the big names, but I am determined to win or at the very least, be in the top three," she told SportsBoom.com. 

WHAT WON LIMO A SLOT IN BOSTON

Limo asserts that she would not have been included in the women's elite list of runners for Boston had she not performed well in races she participated in 2024.

In total, the Baringo-born athlete raced in three full marathons winning the Honolulu and Nairobi City races before finishing sixth in Hamburg.

She further took part in two half marathons winning in New Delhi and finishing fourth in New York back in March.

The 2014 Madrid Half Marathon champion considers 2024 a hugely successful year, considering that she had resumed competitive running in December 2023 after a six-year hiatus.

Limo, who is under the Ikaika Sports Agency, said the races she had in the concluded year not only fully restored her confidence but, also readied her for Boston.

"I think the good results I achieved in 2024 played a significant role towards my inclusion in the elite list. I worked hard and I am glad the efforts paid off. The races I had in 2024 have prepared me fully to face Boston's course," she said.

LIMO COUNTING ON BOSTON SHOW TO WIN HER TICKET TO TOKYO

With the Tokyo World Athletics Championships being one of the highlight sporting events of the year, Limo will be banking on her performance in Boston to secure her return to the Kenyan team.

Limo delivered a silver medal when she last represented Kenya, as she finished second in the 2016 World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, United Kingdom.

She believes that a win or a podium finish in Boston will compel Athletics Kenya (AK) to reserve a slot for her in the team that will be in action in Tokyo.

Tokyo will host the Championships between September 13-21 with the Kenyan women Marathoners seeking to reclaim the title they last won in 2019 in Doha.

World record holder Ruth Chepngetich won the 2019 World Championships and is likely to be included in the Kenyan team for Tokyo.

"It is my prayer to get the chance to represent the country again in a global event. I know a strong performance in Boston will open the opportunity for me. Nothing beats the joy of wearing the Kenyan kit and winning medals for the country," she added.