BOSTON -- The top men's and women's finishers from the 2006 Boston Marathon have announced their commitment of defend their titles in the 111th running of the race on April 16.

Defending champions Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot and Rita Jeptoo, both of Kenya, will defend their titles against a talented and experienced field of marathon contenders.

In the men's race, Cheruiyot will face Hailu Negussie, of Ethiopia, the 2005 Boston Marathon winner. Negussie said he is excited about the opportunity to challenge the 2:07:14 course record Cheruiyot set at last year's race.

"Once again I am eager and happy to run in the Boston Marathon, among the greatest marathons in the world and my favorite place," he said.

Negussie is not alone in challenging Cheruiyot for the title, 2006 runner-up Benjamin Maiyo and 2004 runner-up Robert Cheboror, both of Kenya, are also looking to make their mark on Boston.

Maiyo is looking to notch his first Boston win after finishing second to Cheruiyot not only in last year's race but also at the 2006 Chicago Marathon.

During his win at Chicago in 2006, Cheruiyot did not actually break the tape at the finish line, he slipped forward as he crossed the finish line injuring his head and spending several days in the hospital with a concussion. Cheruiyot's win in Chicago leaves him at the top of the 2006 World Marathon standings and poised to win its grand prize later this year.

Cheboror will be one of the top contenders at the 111th running, after posting a 2:06:23, one of the fastest marathon times ever, at Amsterdam in 2004.

Rounding out the bigger names in the elite men's race is Stephen Kiogora, also a Kenyan with Boston Marathon experience. Kiogora recently finished second at the 2006 New York City Marathon.

In the elite women's race, defending champion Rita Jeptoo will square off against 2006 Boston-runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka, of Latvia, American Deena Kastor, the fastest female marathoner in U.S. history and 2003 Boston-runner-up Lyubov Denisova, of Russia.