Former marathon world-record-holder Patrick Makau returns to action after two years of injury. One of the most talented marathon runners in the world, Makau began his career in 2009 at the Rotterdam Marathon where he ran 2:06:14. The following year, he returned to Rotterdam, secured the win, and improved his time to 2:04:48. In the fall of 2010, he won the Berlin Marathon in 2:05:08, despite heavy rain, and the following spring finished third in London in 2:05:45. In the fall of 2011, Makau returned to Berlin to defend his title with an aim to break Haile Gebrselassie’s 2008 world record of 2:03:59. Makau delivered by besting Gebrselassie’s world record by an impressive 21 seconds. In 2012 Makau did not finish in London, but won the Frankfurt Marathon later that year. After rebuilding for most of 2013 and 2014, Makau entered and won the Fukuoka Marathon this past December.

In high school, Makau began winning local competitions and decided to build his talent to secure a future for his family. His mentors include Patrick Ivuti, Jimmy Muindi and Paul Tergat. Makau is married to former athlete Catherine Mutwa and the couple has a daughter, Christie, and twin sons, Laban Mumo and Labet Mwendwa. When not training, Makau says he keeps busy with real estate and the farming of coffee, bananas, maize and beans. “Through running, I’ve improved the lives of my family and my spouse’s family,” says Makau. “I was able to provide water and electricity in rural, dry, and impoverished Manyanzwani, Kenya, where I was born and where I lived until 2005. By investing in business ventures, I have created jobs for around 70 people and have provided them with an income that supports them and their families.”

“Without pacemakers, Boston allows for tactical racing at the front of the pack and winning this type of race would be a big achievement.”