2015 Boston Marathon Results: Lelisa Desisa Wins Again; Caroline Rotich Sprints For Women’s Title
The tape has been broken at the finish line and winners have been crowned at the 119th Boston Marathon. The 2015 edition of the world’s oldest annual marathon included familiar faces in the men’s race and a dramatic duel in the climactic moments of the women’s division.
Approximately 30,000 runners embarked on the 26.2 mile-trek from Hopkinton to Boylston Street on a damp, chilly day. In the elite men’s division, Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia won for the second time. The 25-year-old previously triumphed in 2013, just hours before the bombings near the finish line rocked the beloved Boston event. He returned his 2013 medal to the city of Boston in an act of solidarity. He becomes the fourth man to win the Boston Marathon twice .
“I’m happy for No. 1,’’ he said, via The Associated Press. “I am happy to win and for a strong Boston 2013.’’
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Between Desisa’s 2013 and 2015 wins, Meb Keflezighi became the first American man to win in Boston since Greg Meyer in 1983. The San Diego resident’s 2014 victory brought a measure of joy to a day heavy with rememberance for those who had been killed or injured during the bombing. Keflezighi’s bid to defend his championship came up short as he finished in eighth place in 2:12:42. The 39-year-old pushed to the head of the lead pack as late as mile 20, but ultimately could not keep pace.
Still, Keflezighi provided one of the heartwarming moments of the day, grabbing the hand of elite women’s runner Hilary Dionne as they crossed the finished line.
With the “Boston Strong’’ slogan that became a rallying cry in 2013 displayed along the course, the atmosphere seemed to a take a step toward normalcy. The fans who came to the finish line in 2015 were treated to a dramatic conclusion to the women’s race. Caroline Rotich of Kenya edged Mare Dibaba of Ethiopa over the final stretch of the course. Rotitch finished in 2:24:55 while Dibaba finished in 2:24:59.
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After leading deep into the race, Desiree Linden of United States finished in fourth place in 2:25:39. The 31-year-old Californian had finished in second place in 2011. Shalane Flanagan, who grew up in Marblebhead, finished in ninth place in 2:27:47.
Marcel Hug of Switzerland became the first finisher of the day, winning the men’s wheelchair division in 1:29:53. Nicknamed the “Swiss Silver Bullet,’’ Hug had finished in fourth place in Boston in 2013 and 2014.
“Fourth place last year, now winning this historic marathon,’’ Hug told Ken MacLeod of WBZ near the finish line after his victory. “I’m really proud.’’
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Not long after Hug’s breakthrough victory, Tatyana McFadden won the women’s wheelchair divsion of the Boston Marathon for the third straight year. A U.S. Paralympian, McFadden’s victory comes one day before her 26th birthday.
“Today was definitely a special day,’’ McFadden told WBZ after her win. “It was about strength, courage and hope.’’
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Born with spina bifida in St. Petersburg, Russia, McFadden was adopted by an American woman and raised in Maryland. She wore a “Team MR8’’ shirt honoring bombing victim Martin Richard.
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Photos From the 119th Boston Marathon
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