Mary Wacera Cooper is leaving nothing to chance as she intensifies her training for the Boston Marathon, set for April 21.  

The 2022 silver medallist who is making her sixth appearance at the prestigious race says her main focus is to stay injury-free and make it to the starting line after last year’s setback forced her to withdraw from the Chicago Marathon at the last minute. 

Speaking after her speed work at Nyahururu Stadium yesterday, Wacera said she is coming back from an injury that caused her to withdraw from last year’s Chicago Marathon at the last minute.   

An ankle injury sustained during training saw her remain in Britain, her second home, for several months while recovering.   

Asked whether she will aim to improve her Boston course personal best, which stands at two hours and 21 minutes, the runner—who has become an annual participant in the race—said, “Last year’s injury was a setback, and my focus now is to be on the starting line on April 21.”   

She has been training at various venues in Laikipia and Nyandarua counties in preparation for the Boston race. She has been using male pacers to build her endurance and speed as one of the Marathon Majors draws near.   

What’s more, she will be among the Kenyan elite women runners competing in Boston, along with defending champion Hellen Obiri, who is one of several strong Kenyans in the field.  

Others include two-time Boston winner Edna Kiplagat, 2022 New York Marathon winner Sharon Lokedi, Hamburg Marathon champion Irene Cheptai, and 2012 Boston Marathon winner Sharon Cherop.   

In addition to running in Boston, Wacera has also competed in the London (2022) and New York (2023) marathons, where she recorded impressive results.   

The mother of one juggles her training with managing her girls-only Nala Training Camp in Nyahururu which nurtures young girls into athletes as they pursue sponsored education. 

Mary Wacera Cooper is leaving nothing to chance as she intensifies her training for the Boston Marathon, set for April 21.  

The 2022 silver medallist who is making her sixth appearance at the prestigious race says her main focus is to stay injury-free and make it to the starting line after last year’s setback forced her to withdraw from the Chicago Marathon at the last minute. 

Speaking after her speed work at Nyahururu Stadium yesterday, Wacera said she is coming back from an injury that caused her to withdraw from last year’s Chicago Marathon at the last minute.   

An ankle injury sustained during training saw her remain in Britain, her second home, for several months while recovering.   

Asked whether she will aim to improve her Boston course personal best, which stands at two hours and 21 minutes, the runner—who has become an annual participant in the race—said, “Last year’s injury was a setback, and my focus now is to be on the starting line on April 21.”   

She has been training at various venues in Laikipia and Nyandarua counties in preparation for the Boston race. She has been using male pacers to build her endurance and speed as one of the Marathon Majors draws near.   

What’s more, she will be among the Kenyan elite women runners competing in Boston, along with defending champion Hellen Obiri, who is one of several strong Kenyans in the field.  

Others include two-time Boston winner Edna Kiplagat, 2022 New York Marathon winner Sharon Lokedi, Hamburg Marathon champion Irene Cheptai, and 2012 Boston Marathon winner Sharon Cherop.   

In addition to running in Boston, Wacera has also competed in the London (2022) and New York (2023) marathons, where she recorded impressive results.   

The mother of one juggles her training with managing her girls-only Nala Training Camp in Nyahururu which nurtures young girls into athletes as they pursue sponsored education.