Sharon Cherop is one of the most experienced marathon runners in the field, having run eight marathons under 2:28:00. She consistently performs well in Boston, finishing on the podium three times and winning the 2012 Boston Marathon by two seconds. In her Boston debut in 2011, Cherop ran in step with countrywoman Caroline Kilel and American Desiree Linden until the final meters, but could not keep pace with the duo, and was denied the title by six seconds and the runner-up spot by four seconds. A year later, she returned to Boston and won the race by two seconds in a thrilling finish stretch duel against Jemima Sumgong. In 2013, she once again finished third. Her personal best marathon was earned at the 2013 Berlin Marathon where she placed second in Boston in 2:22:28 to countrywoman Florence Kiplagat. Cherop is a past marathon champion in Singapore, Turin, Toronto, and Hamburg, and was the bronze medalist at the IAAF World Championships Marathon in 2011. In 15 career marathons, she has missed podium positions only three times.

Cherop trains in Marakwet where she was born, and also in Iten at the Kamariny Stadium. She started running in primary school and in 1999 began serious training. In 2000, she won the bronze medal in the 5,000m at the IAAF World Junior Championships. Cherop currently runs for the Kenyan Armed Forces and says she will work in the army after her professional running career slows down. Cherop is married to Mathew Bowen, who is a 2:10 marathoner, and the couple has a daughter named Natalia. Cherop says when she is not training she enjoys reading novels and swimming. She is coached by Gabrielle Nicola and is represented by Gianni Demadonna. She says the three things that keep her going are perseverance, hard work, and patience.

“The Boston Marathon is unique and it is a privilege to run it, and an honor to win it!”