Timothy Cherigat

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Timothy Cherigat (born December 29, 1976 in Chekorio) is a long-distance runner from Kenya, who was the winner of the 108th Boston Marathon held in 2004. Cherigat won this race in a time of 2:10:37 on an abnormally warm day during which temperatures reached as high as 87°F (30°C).

Timothy Cherigat approaching victory at the 2004 Boston Marathon. Photo taken by Jim Rhoades.

His marathon best is currently 2:09:34 during his win at the San Sebastian Marathon in 2002. Other top marathon results include a third place in the New York City Marathon in 2004 (2:10:00) and a fourth in the Boston Marathon in 2003 (2:11:28). In 2001, he ran his debut marathon in Boston as well and finished 10th in 2:14:21.

In the last few years, especially under the guidance of coach Dieter Hogen, Cherigat has concentrated on the marathon only. In 2004, he did not run a single race besides the two marathons in Boston and New York. He also did not race before the Boston Marathon in 2005. His half marathon best of 61:23 is from 2000.

Cherigat is employed by the Kenyan armed forces. He is a corporal of the Kenya Navy but trains as a full time athlete either in Iten (Kenya) or Boulder (USA). Cherigat lives with his family in Chekorio, which is near Eldoret. He likes gospel music and does preaching in Christian churches from time to time.

Daniel Komen, another famous athlete from Cherigat's team of KIMbia Athletics, inspired and competed against Cherigat early in his career. Komen grew up in the same district. At school, the two men ran together and against each other in competition.