Lelisa Desisa, Caroline Rotich Will Defend Titles at 2016 Boston Marathon
Desisa will be going for his third Boston Marathon win; Rotich her second.
The 2015 Boston Marathon champions—Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia and Caroline Rotich of Kenya—will be race the Boston Marathon in 2016 to defend their title, it was announced Wednesday.
Desisa outlasted Yemane Tsegay and Wilson Chebet last year, winning in a time of 2:09:17. He also won the Boston Marathon in 2013.
“I am so happy to return to Boston in 2016 to try to make history as a three-time champion of the world’s most historic race and to do my best to represent Ethiopian running on the global stage,” said Desisa. “Boston has become more than a race to me; the city and its people are special and my wins in Boston are the most important moments in my athletic career. I am dreaming of crossing the finish line first for the third time.”
Rotich, who trains in New Mexico, won last year’s race in 2:24:55.
“Winning the 2015 Boston Marathon was my biggest and most treasured performance,” she said. “For what Boston has given me and what Boston has endured, I would like to give back by defending my title on April 18. I cannot wait to line up with everyone else and give it 100 percent.”
The rest of the elite field will be announced at a later date.