Boston Marathon

Elite women set off in 121st Boston Marathon

Boston Marathon
The elite female runners break from the starting line in the 2017 Boston Marathon in Hopkinton, Mass., Monday, April 17, 2017. Mary Schwalm/AP

By The Associated Press

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BOSTON (AP) — The elite women are on their way in the 121st running of the Boston Marathon.

The field started at 9:32 a.m. They’ll be followed at 10 a.m. by the elite men.

Atsede Baysa of Ethiopia is back to defend her women’s title. She’s joined in the field by countrywoman Buzunesh Deba, the 2014 champion.

The top U.S. woman is Desi Linden, a two-time Olympian who’s placed in the top 10 in Boston three times.