Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma and Kenya’s Hellen Obiri emerged as champions in the prestigious Boston Marathon, showcasing their incredible athleticism and endurance. The race, which took place under sunny skies and minimal wind, witnessed intense competition and record-breaking performances.
Sisay Lemma, the 2021 London champion, dominated the first half of the race, setting a blistering pace and opening a substantial lead. However, as the weather heated up, the Ethiopian runner began to slow down. Despite the challenging conditions, Lemma held on to cross the finish line in 2 hours, 6 minutes, 17 seconds, marking the 10th fastest time in the marathon’s 128-year history. This victory was particularly significant for Lemma, who had failed to finish twice and placed 30th in his previous Boston attempts. Overjoyed with his accomplishment, he declared, “Today I won, so I’ve redeemed myself.”
In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri successfully defended her title, outpacing Sharon Lokedi on Boylston Street to secure victory by a mere eight seconds. Completing the Kenyan sweep, two-time Boston champion Edna Kiplagat finished just 36 seconds behind Obiri. This win adds to Obiri’s impressive list of achievements, which includes her triumph at the New York Marathon last fall. With her consistent performances, she now stands as one of only six women to win back-to-back titles in Boston.
Both Lemma and Obiri received a gilded olive wreath and a share of the total prize purse that surpassed $1 million for the first time in the marathon’s history. These financial rewards reflect the growing prominence and commercial appeal of long-distance running.
Among the American competitors, Emma Bates of Boulder, Colorado, stood out for the second consecutive year as the top American female runner. Leading the race up to the 30-kilometer mark, Bates received tremendous support from the energetic Wellesley College students. However, the challenging conditions took a toll, and she faded on the way out of Heartbreak Hill. Despite the disappointment, Bates acknowledged the incredible enthusiasm of the spectators, stating, “It was such a nice day for the spectators. Not so nice for the runners; it was pretty hot.”
In the men’s wheelchair race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug showcased his exceptional skills by righting himself after crashing into a barrier when he took a turn too fast. Hug coasted to a course record victory, marking his seventh Boston win and his 14th consecutive major marathon victory. In the women’s wheelchair race, Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper secured her first major marathon victory at just 22 years old, becoming the third-youngest woman to win the Boston wheelchair race.
The Boston Marathon, which celebrated its 100th anniversary as the starting line in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, remains one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathons. The event attracted a field of 17 former champions and nearly 30,000 runners. Participants and spectators alike paid tribute to the victims of the 2013 finish line bombings, as the race coincided with One Boston Day.
Overall, the 2024 Boston Marathon showcased exceptional performances by Sisay Lemma and Hellen Obiri, demonstrating their resilience and determination to emerge as champions. The race also celebrated its rich history and the unwavering spirit of the running community. With record-breaking times and inspiring stories of triumph, this year’s marathon will undoubtedly be remembered as a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic event.
