Former world junior silver medalist Elvis Cheboi is aiming to replicate his winning form over the 42km distance, as he prepares for the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon on 18 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe 31-year-old Kenyan returns to familiar territory, having captured his first major career marathon victory on this very course in 2023, with a personal best of 2:09.20.##NAJAVA_MECA_10002716##In that race, Cheboi crossed the finish line ahead of runner-up Adugna Takele of Ethiopia (2:10.26) and fellow Kenyan Alfred Kipchirchir (2:10.56).However, his title defense in 2024 fell short when he placed eighth in 2:12.52, a race won by Ethiopia's Mulugeta Uma in 2:07.16.Kenyan athletes reign supreme in Kuala Lumpur MarathonAfter electing to sit out the 2025 event, Cheboi is back on the streets of Toronto, looking for redemption, motivated by the strong personal connection he has with the Canadian race.“I think the first time I ran in Toronto, it was my first time to win a marathon,” Cheboi said in an interview with the race organizers. "I think it was a big achievement for me. First of all, I thank God. The first time in Toronto I was so proud of myself my first marathon win, and also my personal best.” WADA boss in Kenya as country steps up fight against dopingCheboi, who has competed internationally for more than a decade, is, however, non-committal on his goals for this year, opting to wait till race day to figure out his zone."You know everything depends on how you train, and how your body responds on that day, and also the weather,” Cheboi, who is also an African U20 Championships silver medalist, added. “I cannot predict that. Maybe (a personal best), but for now I don’t know if I will run but, God willing, I will one day."##NAJAVA_MECA_9999929##As part of his training regimen, Cheboi said he had been mostly training alone, covering 40km on long runs, while giving up three days a week to run with a group.“Now I think everything is going well," Cheboi said about his preparation. "But I can’t say I will come and win, but I am in good shape.” Former world silver medalist eyeing Istanbul marathon titleStanding in his way this year will be a bunch of Kenyan compatriots, including 2025 champion Leonard Langat, Noah Kipkemboi, and 24-year-old Fanny Kiprotich, winner of the 2026 Vienna Marathon.On the international front, he will have to battle Ethiopia's duo of Maritu Ketem and Gizealew Ayana, plus home runner Kristian Jamieson.
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