Robert Cheruiyot

Guide Note

Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot is a Kenyan long-distance runner. He won his fourth Boston Marathon on April 21, 2008 with a time of two hours, seven minutes and 43 seconds. The finish was 22 seconds off from Cheruiyot's performance in the 2006 marathon, in which he set the course record. Cheruiyot has previously won the Boston Marathon in 2003, 2006 and 2007. He is only the fourth man in history to win the marathon four times, and the first Kenyan to do so.¹

Fast Facts

1. Born: September 26, 1978
2. Birthplace: Kapsabet, Kenya
3. 2008 Prize: $150,000, largest amount in major marathon history
4. 15th Kenyan Boston Marathon win in 17 years
5. Four-time Boston Marathon winner (2003, 2006, 2007, 2008)

In addition to winning the Boston Marathon four times, Cheruiyot participated in the 2005 New York Marathon, finishing in fourth place. He also ran in the 2005 Boston Marathon and came in fifth.

During the 2006 Chicago Marathon, Cheruiyot was headed toward the finish line. Just before the tape, Cheruiyot slipped and hit his head on the pavement. He did not break the tape, but it was ruled that he did cross the finish line, making him winner. Cheruiyot was taken to the hospital and released after two days.²