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Evens Chebet of Kenya won the 127th Boston Marathon in the time of 2:05:54. Hellen Obiri, a two-time Olympic silver medallist in the 5000m event, dominated in just her second marathon — into a slight headwind. She clocked a 2:21:38 performance. In November, she debuted at the New York City Marathon, where she set her official personal best at 2:25:49.

Chebet, who won the race last year, made hay during the infamous heartbreak hill that takes the rhythm out of many. Chebet, who owns a marathon personal best of 2:03:00 from the 2020 Valencia Marathon, won Boston in 2022 in the time of 2:06:51. In Boston, the weather almost always plays a role in the event. As a point-to-point course, wind direction can significantly influence the outcome.

While the story of the day was about Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, who was expected to win — but faded — starting around the 20-mile or 32-kilometre mark. It was just the third time that Kipchoge did not win a marathon. The two latest included rain and wind. In 2020, Kipchoge unexpectedly faded in the London Marathon during inclement weather. Otherwise, the 38-year-old has won 17 of 20 marathons that he started. His second, the 2013 London Marathon, was won by fellow Kenyan Wilson Kipsang who was banned for four years for tampering and whereabouts failures. Eleven wins are World Marathon Majors (WMM). Kipchoge was hoping Boston would be WMM win number 12.

So surprising was the fade by Kipchoge, that Obiri had to answer questions about the men’s finish, “anything can happen in a marathon,” she told the press after the race.

The top Americans were Scott Fauble who finished seventh in the time of 2:09:44 and Emma Bates clocking a 2:22:10 and a strong fifth-place finish.

For the men, it was the fourth consecutive Kenyan win and the fifth of the six latest editions. Kenyan women have won three consecutive. The 2018 edition was won by American Desiree Linden, the 2019 edition was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Chebet’s win is the third-fastest Boston Marathon. Obiri’s performance was the second fastest in the event’s history.

Marcel Hug of Switzerland won his sixth Boston Marathon title in the wheelchair division. He wheeled to a course record of 1:17:06. The performance improves upon his previous course record of 1:18:04 set in 2017. American Daniel Romanchuk was second in 1:27.45, followed by Jetze Plat of the Netherlands in 1:28.35.

In the women’s race, American Susannah Scaroni won her first Boston title, clocking a 1:41.45 finish. Her victory followed runner-up finishes in 2018 and 2022. Scaroni was followed in by Australian Madison de Rozario in 1:46.55 and Wakako Tsuchida of Japan in 1:47.04.

Results

Men

1. Chebet, Evans (KEN)  – 2:05:54
2. Geay, Gabriel (TZA) – 2:06:04
3. Kipruto, Benson  (KEN) – 2:06:06
4. Korir, Albert (KEN) – 2:08:01
5. Talbi, Zouhair (MAR) – 2:08:35
6. Kipchoge, Eliud (KEN) – 2:09:23
7. Fauble, Scott (USA) – 2:09:44
8. Chahdi, Hassan (FRA) – 2:09:46
9. Korir, John (KNE) – 2:10:04
10. Mcdonald, Matthew (USA) – 2:10:17
11. Mantz, Conner – 02:10:25
12. Albertson, Cj – 2:10:33
13. Montanez, Nico – 2:10:52
14. Kitata, Shura – 2:11:26
15. Belay, Andualem – 2:11:50
16. Pfeiffer, Hendrik – 2:12:22
17. Flavin, Jp – 2:13:27
18. Wiley, Turner – 2:13:57
19. Mpofu, Isaac – 2:14:08
20. Hall, Chad – 2:14:13

Women

1. Obiri, Hellen (KEN) – 2:21:38
2. Beriso, Amane (ETH) – 2:21:50
3. Salpeter, Lonah (ISR) – 2:21:57
4. Yeshaneh, Ababel (ETH) – 2:22:00
5. Bates, Emma (USA) – 2:22:10
6. Weldu, Nazret (ETH) – 2:23:25
7. Tanui, Angela – 2:24:12
8. Gebremaryam, Hiwot – 2:24:30
9. Ngugi, Mary – 2:24:33
10. Gebreslase, Gotytom – 2:24:34
11. Tuliamuk, Aliphine (USA) – 2:24:37
12. Jepkosgei, Joyciline – 2:24:44
13. Cheptoo, Viola – 2:24:49
14. Rojas, Nell – 2:24:51
15. Brinkman, Nienke – 2:24:58
16. Chepchirchir, Celestine – 2:25:07
17. Hall, Sara – 2:25:48
18. Linden, Desiree – 2:27:18
19. Chepkirui, Vibian – 2:28:12
20. Frisbie, Annie – 2:28:45

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