Lokedi, Jepkosgei confirmed for Boston Marathon

New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi and London marathon runners up Joyciline Jepkosgei have been confirmed for this year's Boston Marathon slated for April 17.

Also making a return to Boston is two-time winner Edna Kiplagat who was recently declared the 2021 winner after Diana Kipyokei victory was disqualified over doping violation.

Mary Ngugi who placed third in last year will also be eyeing a top spot in the podium.

“When it comes to Boston, for me it becomes more than a race,” said Ngugi.

"The city is special, and special for me too. I have raced there so many times across different distances and the buzz from the fans all along the course is incredible and I even got married in Boston!”

After a sixth-place finish last year, Viola Cheptoo will also make a return to the US soil eyeing a podium finish.

Enschede marathon champion Maurine Chepkemoi, Celestine Chepchirchir, Angela Tanui, Fancy Chemutai, Sheila Chepkirui and Vibian Chepkirui are the other Kenyans entered in the race.

Kenyans will however face stiff competition from the Ethiopian contingent led by world marathon champion Gotytom Gabreslase of Ethiopia and last year's runners up Anabel Yeshaneh who missed the title by a whisker.

World bronze medalist Lonah Salpeter Chemtai of Israel is also in the mix.

The men's race has already attracted world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge who will be making his debut as well as defending champion Evans Chebet.