By Talia Lissauer
Boston University News Service
BOSTON—With a time of 2:09:51, Benson Kipruto of Kenya was the first of the elite men to cross the finish line of the 125th Boston Marathon, followed by Diani Kipyogi, also of Kenya, who won the elite women’s race with a time of 2:24:44.
The men’s wheelchair race was won by Marcel Hug of Switzerland (01:18:11), while fellow Swiss racer, Manuela Schär (01:35:21), collected top honors for the women’s wheelchair race.
Excitedly waiting by the finish line, Samantha Mondry from Michigan described feeling nervous, but excited to see her sister, Felicia Mondry, complete the marathon.
“It’s really exciting. This is the biggest event we have gone to,” Mondry said. “I know how much work it takes to just get to this event, to even just be running it, so I’m very proud of her.”
Standing in a crowd of spectators, Ken Terry of North Carolina wanted to watch the first group finish the race before heading out to the middle of the course to check on his cousin-in-law who is also running.
“This is amazing. The energy, you can feel it. It’s awesome. We are having a great time,” Terry said. “They’re amazing. 2:09 was the winner this year, I can’t even imagine that.”
The race began in Hopkinton, however, Brenda Nealon of New Hampshire, who decided to come to watch the race in person after years of watching it on TV, said she chose to watch the race at the finish line area.
“(It’s) the best place to be,” Nealon said. “We’re shocked actually that we’re this close to the finish line.”
Because the 26.2-mile race is incredibly long and difficult, Mondry said she is nervous for her sister.
“I’m excited, a little bit worried that she’s doing all right out there. I know it’s a lot of work,” Mondry said. “But I know the atmosphere is pushing her along. There are so many people, so how can it not be?”
The 18,252 runners had six hours to complete the course.
