The 2013 Boston Marathon will go down in history for the tragic events that unfolded as a bomb exploded at the finish line that afternoon, killing 3 and injuring almost 300. What should not be forgotten from that day is Ethiopian runner Lelisa Desisa winning perhaps the most well-known marathon race in the entire world in just his second race at that distance.
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While his 2013 victory may be overlooked, Desisa created a whole new set of memories for himself with his 2nd Boston Marathon win today, crossing the finish line in a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 17 seconds and winning by a comfortable 31 seconds over fellow Ethiopian Yemane Adhane Tsegay. Eastern African runners dominated the top 10, with Kenyan runners finishing 3-4-5-6, and one more Ethiopian finishing in 9th. The USA’s best finishers were Dathan Ritzenhein in 7th and 2014 champion Meb Keflezighi in 8th.
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Kenya’s Caroline Rotich emerged triumphant from a thrilling women’s finish, as she crossed the finishing line just 4 seconds ahead of Ethiopians Mare Dibaba and Buzunesh Deba. Just 14 seconds separated the top 3 from each other, as Rotich broke away with one last kick down Boylston Street.
Even in cool conditions in the 40s and with most runners wearing gloves to stay warm, the Eastern African runners in both races were not to be denied, and of the top 10 finishers in the men’s and women’s races, an astounding 15 out of 20 were from Ethiopia and Kenya.
Full recap from ESPN:
