Last year’s Boston Marathon champions Merga and Kosgei back to defend their crowns

Champs back to run Boston Marathon

BOSTON — Boston Marathon champions Deriba Merga of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei of Kenya are scheduled to be back to defend their titles.

The Boston Athletic Association and John Hancock Financial announced Wednesday that Merga will join the field for the 114th running of the race on April 19. The competition includes four-time winner and course record holder Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya, who was runner-up last year.

Kosgei, winner of the women’ race, will be challenged by past champions Catherine Ndereba of Kenya, Dire Tune of Ethiopia and Lidiya Grigoryeva of Russia. Kosgei edged Tune by a second last year in the closest women’s race ever.