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BOSTON— In a welcome comeback after a 910-day absence, the 125th Boston Marathon took center stage on the routes between Hopkinton and Boston. Some 15,736 participants started this year’s historic edition of the world’s oldest annual marathon, with a pair of first-time champions and two familiar faces at the top of the podium. The first fall edition of the Boston Marathon did not disappoint.
The men’s and women’s professional race crowned new champions, with Kenyans Benson Kipruto, 30, winning in 2:09:51 “and Diana Kipyokei, 27, in 2:24:45”. Wheelchair divisions, meanwhile, belonged to a pair of household names, with the Swiss duo of Marcel Hug and Manuela Schär breaking the gang. Schär defended his title in Boston in 1:35:21, with Hug winning here for the fifth time, in 1:18:11.
In the men’s professional race, Kipruto – who finished tenth here in 2019, his only previous appearance – ran the second half of the race almost three minutes faster than the first, taking the lead at mile 23 after being part of the race. platoon in pursuit of American CJ. Albertson for 20 miles. Albertson, on his 28th birthday, initially took off on his own at one point 2h13 behind until he finally climbed back up to Heartbreak Hill (he would later finish tenth).
“It was a nice feeling today after finishing tenth a few years ago, â€said Kipruto wearing his crown of golden olives. “I am happy today to be a champion.”
Kipyokei took the lead at mile 18, initially in a checkered way with the Ethiopian Netsanet Gudeta before taking off on her own. Two-time Boston champion Edna Kiplagat, 41, was second, her time of 2:25:09 breaking the course master’s record. (Please note that Women’s Champion Diana Kipyokei prefers the spelling of the surname Kipyokei, as opposed to Kipyogei, which is often referenced among past results and competitions).
Hug made a miscalculation late in the race breaking his course record and world record of 1:18:04, set here in 2017. Instead of turning right onto Hereford Street, the veteran was so focused on the record that he inadvertently went straight. , following a leading vehicle leaving the course.
“It was my fault,” he said, estimating that he wasted about 20 seconds. Hug was still happy with the victory. “It’s fantastic to be here in Boston again after last year’s cancellation. So it’s fantastic.
Schär took the victory in the women’s wheelchair, finishing ahead of second Tatyana McFadden at 14:59. Schär leads wire to wire. “I always have to use that first run because it’s one of my strengths,†said the three-time champion and course record holder. “So I did that and I was able to break away from the pack.”
The top Americans in professional running were Nell Rojas, 33, of Boulder, CO, and Colin Bennie, 26, originally from Massachusetts and now living in Charlottesville, Va., Who was competing in his first major city marathon after having finished 9th in his distance debut last year.
“It means the world to me,†he said of coming home to run his first Boston.
Participants continue to complete the 125th Boston Marathon; arrival totals will be available once the event is over. Today’s race results and standings are available here.
Additional media resources are available here and will be updated throughout the day.
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