from TheFinalSprint…
Men’s Race
Cheruiyot Wins 112th Boston Marathon; Matches Bill Rodgers with 4 Boston Wins!
Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot has won the 112th Boston Marathon in a blistering time of 2:07:46. It is his third consecutive Boston victory and fourth overall. Cheruiyot challenged his course record of 2:07:12 with an incredible surge in the Newton Hills, but ultimately settled for a historic victory in a still remarkable time.
Morocco’s Abderrahime Bouramdane also had a spectacular day, finishing second in 2:09:03.
Women’s Race
In the closest race in the 112 year history of the Boston marathon, 22-yr old Dire Tune of Ethiopia defeated Russia’s 25-yr old stallion Alevtina Bikitimrova. Tune crossed the line in 2:25:21 and became the youngest Boston champion since 21-yr old American Joan Benoit Samuelson won the race in 1979.
Tune and Biktimirova traded the lead in dramatic fashion throughout the final 800m; each matching then other’s surge just when you thought they would be down and out. Tune ultimately proved to be too strong; taking off with 100m to go, finishing 2 seconds ahead of Biktimrova and collapsing the the after breaking the tape.
Rita Jeptoo, the 2007 Boston Marathon Champion, finished third in a time of 2:26:34 - over a minute behind Biktimirova. Prokopcuka came in fourth (2:28:12) and Magarsa rounded out the top five (2:29:48).
Top Female Finishers:
1. Dire Tune ETH 2:25:25
2. Alevtina Biktimirova RUS 2:25:27
3. Rita Jeptoo KEN 2:26:34
4. Jelena Prokopcuka LAT 2:28:12.
5. Askale Tafa Magarsa ETH 2:29:48
