- PROFESSIONAL FIELD PREVIEW

"Last year was a tough one for everyone. Boston is, for me, the exact right motivation and light at the end of the tunnel, as it will be for all returning champions and participants. This is the marathon where I feel at home, and I have big dreams for October."

—Geoffrey Kirui, 2017 Champion

JOHN HANCOCK PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES AT A GLANCE

LELISA DESISA 2-TIME CHAMPION

Country: Ethiopia

Personal Best: 2:04:45

A two-time Boston champ, Desisa finished runner-up by a mere two seconds in 2019. He’s always a contender, and refers to Boston as his second home. Following the 2013 tragedy, Desisa donated his champion’s medal back to the City of Boston.

YUKI KAWAUCHI 2018 CHAMPION

Country: Japan

Personal Best: 2:07:27

A fan favorite, Kawauchi prevailed as champion at the 2018 Boston Marathon. He has won more than 30 international marathons, and counts four-time Boston champ Bill Rodgers as a mentor and friend.

GEOFFREY KIRUI 2017 CHAMPION

Country: Kenya

Personal Best: 2:06:27

Kirui had a banner year in 2017, winning both the Boston Marathon and World Championships Marathon. Taking second in 2018, Kirui’s looking to rebound from a fifth-place finish in 2019.

ASEFA MENGSTU FASTEST IN FIELD

Country: Ethiopia

Personal Best: 2:04:06

Mengstu is the fastest among all entrants in this year’s race, having run 2:04:06 to place fourth in Dubai in 2018. He has run under 2:06 three times, including a third-place finish in Chicago two years ago

FELIX KANDIE 4TH PLACE IN 2019

Country: Kenya

Personal Best: 2:06:03

After placing fourth in Boston and fifth in Berlin in 2019, Kandie is looking to make his first Abbott World Marathon Majors podium. He’s a past winner of Prague and Athens marathons.