BOSTON, April 15 — The 128th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America brought athletes and spectators together for an unforgettable day of world-class competition and notable achievements. Under sunny skies and amid large, enthusiastic crowds, more than 26,000 runners took on the 26.2-mile course from Hopkinton to Boston.
Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma emerged as the men’s champion, crossing the finish line in 2:06:17. His strong performance and impressive early pace put him in contention to break the course record. While he couldn’t maintain the blistering pace, Lemma stayed focused and powered through the grueling course to secure victory and the top prize of $150,000. His win likely boosts his chances of representing Ethiopia at the Olympics.
In the women’s race, Kenya’s Hellen Obiri defended her 2023 title, finishing in 2:22:37. Obiri’s consistent performance made her only the sixth woman to successfully defend a Boston Marathon title. Sharon Lokedi, also of Kenya, placed second with a time of 2:22:45, while veteran runner Edna Kiplagat, 44, secured third place in 2:23:21. Kiplagat also claimed the masters champion title for the third time.
The wheelchair divisions offered their own share of excitement. In the men’s race, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug claimed his seventh Boston Marathon title and set a new course record with a time of 1:15:33. Despite a crash mid-race, Hug’s dominance on the course remained unmatched.
In the women’s wheelchair division, 22-year-old Eden Rainbow-Cooper from Great Britain secured her first major marathon win, finishing in 1:35:11. Rainbow-Cooper’s triumph over the defending champion Manuela Schär marks a significant milestone in her promising career.
The event was supported by 1,900 medical volunteers who staffed 30 medical stations along the course. By 6:00 p.m. ET, 77 athletes had been transported to local hospitals for further care.
The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), established in 1887, continues its mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through running and other sports. The next Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 15, 2024, and remains part of the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors series.
For complete results, live tracking, and additional information, visit the official B.A.A. website at www.baa.org.