Evans Chebet is set to compete for his third consecutive win at the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts, competing against formidable athletes such as Sisay Lemma and Gabriel Geay. Chebet, who won the 2023 race in 2:05:54, became the first man to win consecutive titles since 2008. The marathon, held annually on Patriots’ Day, is part of the World Marathon Major series and attracts around 30,000 participants, raising funds for charity. Marcel Hug recently set a new course record in the men’s wheelchair division with a time of 1:15:35. The women’s elite race was won by Hellen Obiri, showcasing remarkable athleticism. The marathon, known for its vibrant atmosphere and intense competition, continues to draw global attention from sports enthusiasts.

In Beijing, controversy ensued at the half marathon when allegations surfaced suggesting that three African athletes deliberately allowed China’s He Jie to win. A video circulating shows the Kenyan and Ethiopian runners seemingly slowing down just before the finish line to let He Jie pass, leading to widespread criticism and calls for investigation on Chinese social media. He Jie, aged 25 and a gold medalist at the 2023 Asian Games, is currently the focus of an investigation by the sport’s governing body, World Athletics. The sponsor of the event, Chinese sports brand Xstep, is also reviewing the incident. The Beijing Sports Bureau has pledged to disclose the investigation’s findings once available, amid heightened scrutiny and questions about fairness and integrity in the sport.