The 128th Boston Marathon, which marks the 100th anniversary of the race’s start in Hopkinton, got off to a successful start Monday, as about 30,000 athletes began the annual trek to Boston in near-perfect weather.
The men’s winner was Sisay Lemma, who cruised home in 2 hours, 6 minutes, 17 seconds. He was followed by fellow Ethiopian Mohamed Esa (2:06:58). Kenyan Evans Chebet, who was the two-time defending champion, finished third in 2:07:22.
On the women’s side, Hellen Obiri pulled away from Sharon Lokedi in the final mile to win for the second straight year with a time of 2:22:37. Lokedi was 8 seconds behind. Edna Kiplagat took third in 2:23:21 to complete a Kenyan sweep.
Marcel Hug of Switzerland set a course record (1:15:33) in winning the men’s wheelchair race for the seventh time, despite crashing on a turn before the Newton hills. Eden Rainbow-Cooper was the women’s wheelchair winner in 1:35:11. It was the first major marathon win for the 22-year-old from England.
Hopkinton DPW employees Raymond Shehata (left) and Kerry Reed receive acknowledgement as military veterans. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Runners head down Grove Street toward the start line from the Athletes Village behind Hopkinton Middle School. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Race director Dave McGillivray makes sure everything is running smoothly. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
The professional women’s runners take their first steps toward Boston. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Women’s wheelchair athletes head out of town. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Hopkinton marathoner Alex Scott (right) hangs out on the Town Common with son Ben before starting his race. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
The professional men’s runners cross the start line. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Men’s wheelchair athletes go all out from the start. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski, the grand marshal, is mobbed as he heads to the lead car. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
A runner takes a nap on the Town Common before heading to the start line. PHOTO/JERRY SPAR
Volunteers watch the runners pass by. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Beautiful weather greets the runners in Hopkinton. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Runners break into stride. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Runners jog toward the start line. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Runners cross the start line. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Runners begin their journey to Boston. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Hopkinton Marathon Committee chair Dorothy Ferriter Wallace poses with race announcer Jack LeDuc. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
A runner dons a colorful outfit. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
Rob Gronkowski heads to the grand marshal vehicle. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO
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