Evans Chebet’s rise to prominence in the world of marathon running is a story of resilience, discipline, and unwavering dedication. From humble beginnings in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kenya, he has carved out a remarkable career, winning multiple World Major Marathons and becoming a respected figure in distance running.
Chebet’s journey was shaped by early financial hardships. Born into a family of ten children, his father passed away before he was born, leaving his mother to raise them alone. Forced to drop out of school in Class Four, he began burning charcoal to support his family. These struggles instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and perseverance. His turning point came in 2005 when his uncle, Isaac Koech, introduced him to running and provided his first pair of training shoes. Inspired by his late father, a runner, and guided by his uncle, Chebet began training with steadfast determination.
In 2006, Chebet’s potential caught the attention of coach Claudio Berardelli, who invited him to join the Rosa training camp in Kaptagat. Under Berardelli’s guidance, Chebet honed his skills, building a foundation for his marathon success. Unlike many elite runners who transition from track racing, Chebet focused exclusively on road races. This decision was influenced by his need to provide for his family and the absence of a track-running background.
Chebet’s disciplined approach to training has been instrumental in his success. He emphasizes patience and hard work, principles he believes are essential for aspiring athletes. His preparation for races is meticulous, often incorporating grueling hill work and long runs. Leading up to his victory in the New York Marathon, for example, he focused intensely on hill workouts of up to 30 kilometers daily.
Despite his impressive achievements, Chebet has faced setbacks, including being overlooked for Kenya’s Olympic team. However, he remains optimistic, using these challenges as motivation to excel. He acknowledges the importance of strategic planning in his career, which has seen him win prestigious events such as the 2019 Buenos Aires Marathon, the 2020 Lake Biwa and Valencia Marathons, and consecutive Boston Marathon titles in 2022 and 2023. His victory in the 2022 New York Marathon further solidified his place among the world’s elite marathoners.
Balancing his professional and personal life, Chebet draws inspiration from his family. His wife, Brillian Jepkorir, also an athlete, and their five children are central to his motivation. Chebet hopes his children will follow in his footsteps and pursue running in the future.
Chebet attributes his success not only to rigorous training but also to a strong moral compass. He advises aspiring runners to remain prayerful, invest wisely, and avoid shortcuts. For him, patience and perseverance are the cornerstones of long-term success. His story is a testament to the idea that determination and discipline can overcome even the most challenging circumstances.
Looking ahead, Chebet is determined to build on his legacy, with goals of winning both the New York and Boston Marathons in the same season. His journey, from a young boy in a struggling family to a world-renowned marathoner, is a powerful example of the heights that can be reached through hard work and dedication.
