Kenya’s Caroline Rotich Sprints to Win Boston Marathon’s Women’s Division
The final point-two in the 26.2 miles of the 2015 Boston Marathon made all the difference for the elite women.
Kenya’s Caroline Rotich edged out Ethiopia’s Mare Dibaba in the last blocks on Boylston Street to win her first Boston Marathon.
The two women made the famous turns onto Hereford Street and Boylston side-by-side, followed closely by Buzunesh Deba, also of Ethiopia, who placed third. Dibaba took a slight lead with three blocks to go, but Rotich, 30, surged ahead in the final strides.
American Desiree Linden led the women’s leaders through the middle miles and finished fourth. Local favorite Shalane Flanagan, who was raised in Marblehead, dropped off the pace near mile 19.
Dibaba and Deba were third and second, respectively, in the 2014 Boston Marathon. However, they may move up a spot, as two-time defending champion Rita Jeptoo’s win is in dispute. Jeptoo tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug EPO last fall and was banned from competition for two years.
Read more coverage of the 2015 Boston Marathon.
Pictures from the 119th Boston Marathon
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