The 127th edition of the Boston Marathon goes down on Monday evening at the US state of Massachusetts.
While the build-up to the event has centred on the star-studded field that has been assembled for the race, the marathon also stands out as one of the highest paying races on the planet.
According to the prize money that was restructured in 2022, the winner in the men’s and women’s top division will pocket $150,000 (Ksh 20,157,000) with the first runner up taking $75,000 (Ksh10,078,500) while the second runner-up will go home with $40,000 (Ksh5,375,200).
Furthermore, any athlete who will smash the course record in both categories will pocket an additional $50,000 (Ksh 6,719,000).
The men’s course record of two hours three minutes and two seconds was set by Kenyan Geoffrey Mutai in 2011 while the women’s record of two hours 19 minutes and 59 seconds was set by Bizunesh Deba of Ethiopia in 2014.
World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has been touted as the pre-race favourite to clinch the title on his maiden appearance at the street of Boston.
Kipchoge will be joined by compatriots; defending champion Evans Chebet, 2021 winner Benson Kipruto, two-time Los Angeles marathon champion John Korir, 2021 New York City marathon champion Albert Korir and 2022 Berlin Marathon second-finisher Mark Korir.
The women’s field has also attracted strong field including; two-time winner Edna Kiplagat, last year’s third-finisher Mary Ngugi, two-time world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri, 2021 London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, Viola Cheptoo, Celestine Chepchirchir and Maurine Chepkemoi.
Boston Marathon prize money
1. 20,157,000
2. 10,078,500
3. 5,375,200
4. 3,359,500
5. 2,418,840
6. 1,814,130