Ethiopian Runner, Sisay Lemma Blazes to Victory in 128th Boston Marathon
Ethiopian runner Sisay Lemma dominates the field, setting a blistering pace to win the Boston Marathon in 2:06:17.
The 128th Boston Marathon witnessed a dominant display of running by Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma. Living up to his pre-race billing as the fastest in the field, Lemma separated himself from the pack early and cruised to victory in an impressive 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 17 seconds.
This time places him among the elite, ranking 10th fastest in Boston Marathon history.
A Race Run Alone
Lemma, the 2021 London Marathon champion, wasted no time asserting his authority. He surged ahead within the first 3 miles, building a significant lead that stretched to over half a mile by the halfway mark. His blistering pace of 60:19 for the first half eclipsed even Geoffrey Mutai's course record pace from 2011, which stood as the fastest marathon ever at that time.
While compatriot Mohamed Esa closed the gap in the final miles, Lemma held strong to secure his first Boston Marathon title by 41 seconds. Two-time defending champion Evans Chebet finished third, completing the podium for the Ethiopian runners.
A Celebration of History, Spirit, and Boston Marathon Weather
The race also held special significance beyond the competition. Hopkinton, the starting point for the marathon, celebrated its 100th anniversary as host. The field boasted an impressive line-up, featuring 17 past champions and nearly 30,000 enthusiastic participants.
Meanwhile, near the Boylston Street finish line, a moment of remembrance honored the victims of the 2013 bombing that tragically scarred the race.
The Boston Marathon weather brought sunny skies and minimal wind, with temperatures climbing into the comfortable 60s as the morning progressed. Athletes were seen splashing water on themselves as they ran through Natick, the fourth town along the iconic route.
"We couldn't ask for a better day," remarked former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, the grand marshal, before embarking on the course in an electric car. He lauded the city's unwavering support for the event and the electric atmosphere surrounding the race.
Festivities kicked off early at 6 a.m. with a group of 30 Massachusetts National Guard members led by Lt. Col. Paula Reichert Karsten. Lt. Col. Karsten expressed her pride in participating in such a quintessential Massachusetts tradition.
The starting line itself was a visual tribute to history, painted with the message "100 years in Hopkinton," commemorating the town's centennial hosting the marathon.
The announcer's warm welcome to the "sleepy little town of Hopkinton" further highlighted the special bond between the town and the race.
For 16-year-old Hopkinton resident Maggie Agosto, witnessing the start line buzz alongside a friend was a highlight of the year. She echoed the sentiment of many, expressing how the Boston Marathon is an integral part of the town's identity.
The 128th Boston Marathon successfully combined elite athletic competition with a celebration of history and resilience. As the annual event that coincides with One Boston Day, the spirit of the city and its unwavering support for the victims of the bombings shone brightly.