The clock is ticking! The most infamous marathon in the entire world is just days away. The 116th Boston Marathon is this Monday, April 16, and to prepare the Boston Athletic Association just released the names of the elite runners. This year’s race will no doubt be exciting. However, it’ll be missing some familiar faces as our native elites are storing up their energy for the London 2024 Olympic games.
The defending male and female champs from 2024’s race are returning to defend their titles on Monday. Caroline Kilel of Kenya won the women’s race in 2:22:36 last year. Just edging USA’s Desiree Davila by two seconds. Second place Davila and fifth place Kara Goucher won’t be found on the list this year as they are two of the three women representing the US this summer. They join their team mate Shalane Flanagan as the US women’s marathon team.
All eyes will be on male defending champ, Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya, on Monday. Mutai shocked the world by running a 2:03:02 last year. With that time, Mutai set the record for the fastest marathon in world history. The previous best of 2:03:59 was by Haile Gebrselassie in Berlin 2024. While there are disputes over giving Mutai the record due to course and wind conditions, the entire running world gives him the credit he’s due, regardless of any governing board. The man ran faster than any other human for 26.2 miles, he’s got big expectations placed on him for Monday.
Mutai will be joined by many of his fellow countrymen, but very few Americans are in the men’s elite field. Ryan Hall of the US placed fourth last year with a time of 2:04:58, making him the fastest American male marathoner. He will be joining Meb Keflezighi and Abdi Abdirahman in London this summer. Together, these three comprise the US male team in the Olympic marathon.
Boston is a magical race. It’s one of the oldest marathons in existence and one of the few that requires speed qualifications for entry. It’s been referred to as “the people’s Olympics” due to its large field of top athletes. Monday’s race will be no exception.
Top 10 Male Elites
Bib, First, Last, Qualifying Time, Gender, Age, City, State, Country, Ctz
1, Geoffrey Mutai, 2:03:02, M, 30, Eldoret, , KEN, KEN (defending champion)
2, Gebregziabher Gebremariam, 2:04:53, M, 27, Tigray, , ETH, ETH
3, Tadese Tola, 2:05:10, M, 24, Addis Ababa, , ETH, ETH
4, Levy Matebo, 2:05:16, M, 22, Trans Nzoia, , KEN, KEN
5, Wilson Chebet, 2:05:27, M, 26, Marakwet, , KEN, KEN
6, Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, 2:05:52, M, 23, Bomet, , KEN, KEN
7, Laban Korir, 2:06:05, M, 26, Uasin Gishu, , KEN, KEN
8, Wesley Korir, 2:06:15, M, 29, Kenya, , KEN, KEN
9, Bernard Kipyego, 2:06:29, M, 25, Eldoret, , KEN, KEN
10, David Barmasai, 2:07:18, M, 23, Keiyo, , KEN, KEN
Top 10 Female Elites
Bib, First, Last, Qualifying Time, Gender, Age, City, State, Country, Ctz
F1, Caroline Kilel, 2:22:36, F, 31, Bomet, , KEN, KEN (defending champion)
F2, Galina Bogomolova, 2:20:47, F, 34, Beloretsk, , RUS, RUS
F3, Mamitu Daska, 2:21:59, F, 28, Liteshoa, , ETH, ETH
F4, Sharon Cherop, 2:22:39, F, 28, Marakwet, , KEN, KEN
F5, Ashu Kasim, 2:23:09, F, 27, Arsi, , ETH, ETH
F6, Firehiwot Dado, 2:23:15, F, 28, Assela, , ETH, ETH
F7, Buzunesh Deba, 2:23:19, F, 24, Ethiopia, , ETH, ETH
F8, Rita Jeptoo, 2:23:38, F, 31, Eldoret, , KEN, KEN
F9, Agnes Kiprop, 2:23:54, F, 32, Marakwet, , KEN, KEN
F10, Caroline Rotich, 2:24:26, F, 27, Nyahururu, , KEN, KEN
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