Posted: April 14, 2006

Athletics: Kenyan Marathoners Share Culture With Hopkinton Kids

Boston Marathon Kenyan Runners Share Tales And Triumphs With Hopkinton Students

2004 Boston Marathon Champion Discusses Kenyan Culture and Training

HOPKINTON, MA - April 13, 2006 - Today at the John Hancock Financial Services Running and Fitness 'Adopt-a-Marathoner' program, close to 600 students from Hopkinton's Elmwood Elementary School greeted and met with top Kenyan marathon runners.

John Hancock's Running and Fitness 'Adopt-a-Marathoner' program, now in its 14th year, gives students an opportunity to learn first hand about Kenya's culture, and training and daily life in Kenya.

The runners included 2004 Boston Marathon champion Timothy Cherigat and 2003 Boston Marathon champion Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot. The Kenyan marathon team, which includes a total of nine athletes, will be participating in the 110th Boston Marathon on April 17, 2006.

Some of the Kenyan runners this year could end the race in the top three. Wilson Onsare who finished runner-up in last year's race returns, while Benjamin Maiyo placed second in 2005 at the Chicago and Los Angeles Marathons.

"The Hopkinton clinic is part of the John Hancock's overall commitment to develop innovative youth programs which strive to teach children about the benefits of health and fitness," said Robert L. Friedman, assistant vice president, Sports and Event Marketing, John Hancock. "This event also serves as an opportunity to thank the elite Kenyan athletes who return regularly. You can always feel the excitement and energy in the gymnasium as the children cheer on these world class runners."

The annual event began in 1993 when 150 Elmwood students welcomed three-time Boston Marathon champion Ibrahim Hussein and his Kenyan teammates. Since the program's inception, Hopkinton school officials have documented a marked increase in participation in their interscholastic track and cross-country teams, which now are among the most competitive in the state. Since the program's inception over 8,300 students, teachers, administrators and other Hopkinton community members have participated in the event.

"We are always looking for ways to promote the benefits of education and athletics," said School Superintendent Dr. John E. Phelan, Jr. "This annual event offers a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about another culture and why it is important develop a strong work ethic in sports and in school."

Source:John Hancock Press Release.

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