RESULTS Boston Marathon 2021 ➤ [+ Photos]

Today the whole world was talking about the Boston Marathon.

Because the marathon from Hopkinton to Boston is not only one of the biggest marathon events in the world, but also the oldest marathon event on our planet.

The history of the Boston Marathon

In 1897, the Boston Marathon was held for the first time. And even after more than 120 years, the marathon has lost none of its glory. Numerous historic moments, victories and also tragedies accompany the history of the Boston Marathon. In 1967, for example, Kathrine Switzer made major headlines when she took part in the race, even though women were not allowed at that time. Even the race director tried to force her out of the race, but Switzer ran on and finished the marathon. It wasn't until five years later that women were officially allowed into the Boston Marathon.

Record run and tragedy

In 2011, Geoffrey Kiprono Mutai managed to run 2:03:02, the fastest marathon time of all time at the time. However, since the Boston Marathon is a non-world record course, world records are not possible at the Boston Marathon. Sadly remembered, of course, is the 2013 Boston Marathon, which was overshadowed by a terrorist attack that claimed several lives.

Record chase

After a break of almost two and a half years, more than 30,000 runners lined up at the starting line of the Boston Marathon on October 11, 2021, for which, by the way, one could qualify almost exclusively only through a preliminary performance at another marathon (there are time limits for all age groups). The marathon was also highly explosive from an international perspective. So naturally several top runners tried to endanger the course records of Geoffrey Kiprono Mutai (2:03:02 hours) and Bizunesh Deba (2:19:59 hours / 2014).

One of the stars this year was marathon world champion Lelisa Desisa, who was aiming for his 3rd Boston victory. The Ethiopian had competition from two compatriots in Lemi Berhanu (2016 Boston winner) and Asefa Mengstu. Also at the start was US-runner Meb Keflezighi, who surprisingly won in Boston in 2015.

Birthday boy puts on a great show

Fast times were absent from this year's Boston Marathon. Both the women's and men's races were tactical from the start. But the man of the day was CJ Albertson. The US athlete ran away from the front right after the start. After 5 kilometers, he was already a minute ahead of the large main field with a time of 14:29 minutes. By the half marathon distance, which he passed in 1:04:08, he had extended his lead to more than two minutes. However, with a best time of 2:11:18, it was clear that Albertson would not be able to maintain this pace. But it wasn't until about 10 kilometers from the finish that the brave runner was caught by the lead group and immediately passed through. But Albertson held his own. After falling back to 15th place in the meantime, he worked his way up to 10th place in the final meters. With 2:11:44 hours, he just missed his best time despite the unrhythmic pace.

Albertson celebrated his 28th birthday today.

Victory to Kenya

Kenyan Benson Kipruto had by far the best reserves in the men's race. He broke away from his last pursuers a few kilometers before the finish and ran to victory after 2:09:51 hours without any danger. He was followed by two Ethiopians, Lemi Berhanu (2:10:37 hours) and Jemal Yimer (2:10:38 hours). Kipruto ran the second half of the race almost three minutes faster than the first half marathon distance. The best non-African was local hero Colin Bennie in seventh place with 2:11:26 hours.

Quadruple victory for Kenya's women

In the women's race, Diana Kipyogei led a four-way victory for Kenya. After a slow half marathon through time of 1:14:11 hours, Kipyogei had the best energy reserves. With a much faster second leg, she triumphed in 2:24:45 hours ahead of compatriot Edna Kiplagat (2:25:09 hours).

Best non-African was US athlete Nell Rojas with a new personal best of 2:27:12 hours.

Results Boston Marathon 2021 ➤ Women

Results Boston Marathon 2021 ➤ Men

All results and pictures from the Boston Marathon