Geoffrey Kirui Returns to Boston With Winning On His Mind

By Adam Kopet

Geoffrey Kirui had a terrific 2017. He started by winning the Boston Marathon and closed it out by winning gold in the marathon at the IAAF World Outdoor Championships.

In comparison, Kirui had a down year last year. He had been in winning position at the 2018 Boston Marathon, but the weather conditions conditions got to him in the final miles. He faded to second behind winner Yuki Kawauchi.

The 2018 Chicago Marathon did not go much better. He finished sixth in 2:06:45.

The 26-year-old Kenyan is certainly not done. He returns to Boston representing the NN Running Team. That is the same training group that includes world record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

Kirui's biggest strength is his ability to run well in championship style settings. Boston does not employ pacemakers. Neither does the World Championships. Chicago, last year, did use pacemakers for the first time in several years. Could that have been the difference for Kirui? It is certainly possible. And if it was, Kirui may be the perfect candidate to win the 2019 Boston Marathon.