Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia won the Boston Marathon on Monday for the first time, with a record of 2:06:17 for the men’s event. Lemma set the early pace, launching into a commanding lead. After finishing the Valencia Marathon last month in 2:01:48, he is now the fourth-fastest man in history.
Even though the pursuing group got closer to Lemma as the race went on, the 33-year-old managed to hang on for his second major marathon triumph, following his 2021 London Marathon win.
Lemma finished one minute and five seconds ahead of double-defending champion Evans Chebet in third place, and 41 seconds ahead of Mohamed Esa in second.
Lemma: Hot favorite
With his exceptional results in his previous games, Lemma is now deemed one of the favorites to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Moreover, in the women’s race, Kenyan Hellen Obiri held onto her championship from 2023.
Everything hinged on a thrilling finish between Sharon Lokedi, the previous New York City Marathon champion, and reigning champion Obiri. The last four miles saw the two running neck and neck, but Obiri managed to push ahead and hold onto her title by just eight seconds after finishing in 2:22:37.
Obiri is the first female winner of the Boston Marathon in back-to-back years since 2004’s and 2005’s Catherine Ndereba. In November 2023, she also triumphed in the New York Marathon.
Cover Photo: IG
Source: CNN
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