The 130th Boston Marathon, the world's oldest and most prestigious annual marathon, took place on Monday with more than 30,000 runners participating. John Korir won the men's race, while Sharon Lokedi claimed victory in the women's race. American runners delivered standout performances, with Zouhair Talbi setting the fastest time ever for an American man at the Boston Marathon with 2:03:45 and finishing fifth in the men's race.
Jess McClain achieved the fastest time ever for an American woman at the Boston Marathon with 2:20:49 and also placed fifth in the women's race. There were seven American men and 12 American women among the top 20 finishers. In the wheelchair divisions, Marcel Hug won the men's race, and Eden Rainbow-Cooper won the women's race.
Last year was crazy fast, so I don't know if it will be the same thing this year. But whichever one, I'm excited for. You never know. I feel like that is always determined by when you get to the start line.
The race began in cold weather, with temperatures in the 30s and frost on the ground, though a tailwind was expected to assist competitors. Security was a focus, with FBI Special Agent in Charge in Boston Ted Docks stating that authorities are operating in a heightened threat environment due to the war in Iran. Docks added that there are no specific or credible threats against the Boston Marathon.
Among notable participants, Chelsea Clinton finished the marathon in 3 hours and 40 minutes, running under the pseudonym 'Margaret Chase Smith'. A controversial sign at Nike's Newbury Street store prompted backlash before the company removed it. The Boston Red Sox wore jerseys with 'Boston' instead of 'Red Sox' on Patriots' Day to commemorate the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.
We want more people to feel welcome in running - no matter their pace, experience or the distance. During race week in Boston, we put up a series of signs to encourage runners. One of them missed the mark. We took it down, and we'll use this moment to do better and continue showing up for all runners.
The marathon's large participation and historic significance underscored its enduring appeal in the running community.
I think we’re in an era in distance running, on the men and women’s sides, but especially the women’s side, where we’re all making each other so much better every time we line up with one another. And I think it’s just going to get stronger and stronger.
We need to push each other, everyone needs to be in the pack.
Everything was clicking, everything was good. And I was like, this is the day.
Obviously I wanted to come in and defend the first American title, and to do that on a day like today with amazing conditions and to run the time that I knew was in me, at some point in the wheelhouse of what I can do, is really awesome.
We all know what happened in Atlanta, I’ve been a half mile off course, so a few seconds is not going to throw me.