New Record Set in Boston Marathon

Geoffrey Mutai of Kenya took first place at the Boston Marathon today, finishing the race in a record 2:03:02. That time beats the marathon’s previous record, set by fellow Kenyan Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot, by more than two minutes, reports the Boston Globe. It would also be a world record, except that Boston times aren’t recognized internationally because the course is riddled with hills. Mutai finished just four seconds ahead of Moses Musop, who is also from Kenya.

The top-placing American was Ryan Hall, who finished fourth with 2:04:55. “I knew early as I was running through the streets and getting high fives and encouragement that it was going to be something special,” Hall said. “Everyone was out there was like my brothers and sisters cheering me on.” On the women’s side, Kenyan Caroline Kilel took first place in her first running of the marathon, beating Michigan native Desiree Davila by a mere two seconds. (More Boston Marathon stories.)