Elvis Cheboi during his triumph at the 2023 Toronto Marathon/ HANDOUTThe 2014 World Junior 10,000m silver medallist Elvis Cheboi will be hoping to carry his scintillating form over the 42km distance when he takes to the start line for the Toronto Marathon on October 18.
The 31-year-old returns to a course he knows well, having clinched victory on his maiden appearance in Toronto in 2023. At the 2023 race, Cheboi stopped the clock at 2:09:20 to secure his first career marathon victory, finishing comfortably ahead of Ethiopia’s Adugna Takele, who timed 2:10:26 for second place.
Alfred Kipchirchir rounded off the podium in 2:10:56. However, when Cheboi returned to defend his crown in 2024, he failed to retain his title, finishing eighth in 2:12:52. Ethiopia’s Mulugeta Uma stormed to victory in 2:07:16, leading Kenyans Dominic Ngeno (2:07:23) and Noah Kipkemboi (2:07:31) onto the podium.
Cheboi returns to Toronto after skipping the 2025 edition, hoping to reclaim the crown that marked his breakthrough over the marathon distance.
The distance specialist has highlighted the special bond he shares with Toronto streets, where he registered his first marathon victory and personal best.
“I think the first time I ran in Toronto, it was my first time to win a marathon,” he told race organisers.
“The first time in Toronto I was so proud of myself, my first marathon to win and also my personal best.”
“I think it was a big achievement for me.”
Cheboi heads into Toronto buoyed by a rigorous training regimen as he seeks to build the endurance and strength required to stay in contention deep into the race. “I am happy with my training. I usually run 185 to 190km in a week,” he said.
“Sometimes I train alone, and three days a week I run with a group. It depends on the schedule or the programme. If it is a long run, something like 40km, then the group. It depends,” he added.
Cheboi said he is in top shape ahead of the marathon and will approach the race with confidence rather than making bold predictions. “Everything is going well. I can’t say I will come and win, but I am in good shape.”
He also pointed to several factors that could influence the outcome of the race, with the weather on race day likely to play a significant role alongside preparation and how his body responds to the demands of the 42km battle. “Everything depends on how you train and how your body responds on that day. And also the weather!”
Cheboi has enjoyed a strong start to 2026 and has already made his mark on Canadian soil. In the Ottawa Marathon on May 24, he cruised to victory in 2:09:22.
Ethiopia’s Gizealew Ayana finished second in 2:09:26, while Canadian Rory Linkletter completed the podium in 2:09:43.
