Class of 2024 Hall of Fam

An ocean away from home, how Edward Cheserek ’13 became one of the greatest collegiate runners of all time.

Nicknamed “King Ches” by fans of collegiate and professional running, Edward Cheserek ’13 won several junior titles in Kenya before attending St. Benedict’s Prep. At the Hall of Fame on October 1, he recalled the circumstances that brought him to Central Newark. “I was at home, no money, no car,” when Mr. Cheserek learned there was an opportunity through a Nairobi-based missionary group to be sponsored to come to the U.S. to attend school and train. “I needed to take this chance to go to the U.S.,” said the Hall of Famer, who received a large round of applause after reporting that he ran 60 miles to ensure he did not miss the opportunity.

Mr. Cheserek brought the St. Benedict’s track & field program to new heights, notably by putting the team’s success ahead of himself. At the Penn Relays for instance, he passed up the 5,000-meter individual event, which he could easily win, to run the distance relay with teammates.

During his senior year at Benedict’s, Mr. Cheserek was named the 2012-13 Gatorade National Cross Country Runner of the Year. He went on to the University of Oregon, became the first freshman to win the NCAA Cross Country Championships, and over his college career, won 17 NCAA college championships, the most wins by any college runner. He turned professional in 2017 and made his debut at the New York City Marathon in 2023. He thanked the St. Benedict’s community for the opportunity to grow and develop his talent. “This award is very special to me.”