Ethiopian Lelisa Desisa has taken the ribbon at the 119th Boston Marathon, in a time of 2:09:17. He previously won the race in 2013, but did not get much time to celebrate due to the horrifying terrorist attack. That year, he donated his medal to the city in honour of the bombing victims. Desisa beat Yemane Adhane Tsegay by 31 seconds to take the top spot. Wilson Chebet of Kenya was 3rd, Last year’s winner, Meb Keflezighi, the first American to win the race in over 3 decades, finished in 8th. Kenyan Caroline Rotich won the Women’s top honour, in a time of 2:24:55
It has been a cold and wet day in Boston, with difficult conditions and strong winds reported, particularly in the second half of the course, but this hasn’t kept the crowds away. In true Boston Strong spirit, they are reportedly cheering louder as the rain gets heavier. Hundreds of runners have required medical attention on course, with many being treated for hypothermia. Boston is the world’s most prestigious and longest running marathon, held today for the 119th time. There is a total of $830’050 in prize money up for grabs (more if records are broken,) with winners Desisa and Rotich taking home $150’000 each.
