[From Sportsboom, edited by Athletics Illustrated]
Seasoned long-distance runner Cynthia Limo had listed competing in the Boston Marathon as one of her resolutions in 2023 and 2024.
However, despite her handlers mounting a spirited hunt for a spot 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. 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. Her long-held hopes were answered with the inclusion of her name in the list of elite athletes to race Boston in April.
The reigning Honolulu Marathon champion would typically have an extended rest period following the races late last year. The good news from Boston has dragged her back to training as she seeks to produce something special on American soil.
Eyes on a podium finish
The Boston course is not fast like those in Berlin, Chicago, London, Tokyo, or several other European races. The long downhill, then inconveniently placed Heartbreak hill at mile 20 or kilometre 32 can test the resolve and strength of the athletes.
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 organizers 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 racing the 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. 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 spot 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.
The Baringo-born athlete raced in three marathons winning Honolulu and Nairobi City races before finishing sixth in Hamburg. She also took part in two half marathons winning in New Delhi and finishing fourth in New York.
The 2014 Madrid Half Marathon champion considers 2024 a 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 in 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 the Boston show to win her ticket to Tokyo
The Tokyo World Athletics Championships are a highlight. Limo will be banking on her performance in Boston to secure her return to the Kenyan team. She delivered a silver medal when she last represented Kenya. She finished second in the 2016 World Half Marathon Championships in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
“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,” Limo added.
She believes that a win or a podium finish in Boston will compel Athletics Kenya (AK) to reserve a spot for her on the national team.
Tokyo will host the championships between September 13-21. The Kenyan women marathoners seek 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.
Year | Event | Place | Time |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Honolulu Marathon | 1st | 2:33:01 |
2016 | World Athletics Half Marathon Championships | 2nd | 1:07:34 |
2016 | UAE Healthy Kidney 10K | 1st | 31:27 |
2016 | Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon | 1st | 1:07:02 |
2016 | Houston Half Marathon | 2nd | 1:06:41 |