Great moments were given to us by the Boston Marathon, which successfully held its 126th edition last Monday, March 18. In my opinion, two have been the most representative moments for their emotionality, both starring women.
The official participation of women in marathons, incorrectly, is relatively recent, because initially they were not given the same place as men. Today, women marathoners write extraordinary stories based on talent, discipline and sacrifice.
One of the most exciting moments in the past Boston Marathon has been given to us by two runners who have disputed the first place, displaying enormous physical and mental strength to execute a frenetic closing, never seen before in this event. Peres Jepchirchir, Olympic champion, won the final sprint, stopping the clock in 2 hours, 21 minutes and one second; The triumph meant a special moment for this edition, which is number 50 since women have participated in it. Second place, who crossed the finish line just a few meters from Peres, went to Ethiopian Ababel Yeshaneh. Both literally fought side by side, with alternating attacks until the finish line; the constancy and persistence of both caused the race to be defined in the last meters.
The event brought together 25,314 participants, from 120 countries, including Valerie Rogosheske, one of the 8 women who participated in that 1972 edition in which women were allowed to run in the event for the first time. Valerie’s participation embodied the second moment that I consider more emotional.
Boston is the oldest event among the 6 Majors. What was not surprising was the dominance of African runners, especially those born in Kenya, who have taken the first places in this type of event.
In the men’s category, Evans Chebet, also from Kenya, took first place, stopping the clock in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 51 seconds.
In this way, another edition of the favorite marathon of many runners worldwide was written, on this occasion, especially starring the brilliant participation of women.