Bernard Kipyego has proven talent across all disciplines and has followed a traditional progression from cross country and track to the roads. Highlights of his career include winning the silver medal in the 2005 World Junior Cross Country Championships and falling half a second short of the world junior 10,000m record (27:04.45) the same year. Kipyego earned the bronze medal at the 2007 IAAF World Cross Country Championships and the silver medal at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships. Over the half marathon distance, he has run six times under one hour, including most recently at the 2014 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon. In his 11 marathon showings, he has made the podium seven times, including a recent win and personal best at the 2014 Amsterdam Marathon. In his only Boston appearance, Kipyego placed third in 2012, behind the champion Wesley Korir and runner-up Levy Matebo.

Kipyego started running in 2002 and is coached by former international steeplechaser Patrick Sang. His training partners include Emmanuel Mutai, Eliud Kipchoge, Stephen Kiprotich. and Bernard Koech. He trains in Chirchir-centre, near Kaptagat on trails at about 8,000 feet above sea level. Kipyego’s nickname is “Junior” for his many successful years as a junior runner. His training motto is, “The longer the distance, the better the Kipyego.” Kipyego is married to Esily and has five children.

“Boston will give me my place in the history of international running.”