The 128th Boston Marathon is gearing up to host its most formidable women’s field in the event’s storied history. Headlining the elite runners are defending champions Hellen Obiri and Susannah Scaroni, who will be joined by 17 other exceptional athletes with personal bests under 2:23:00, showcasing an unprecedented level of competition.
The race, scheduled for April 15, will witness an impressive assembly of Olympians, Abbott World Marathon Majors winners, and national stars, all vying for victory in the Open Division.
Top Canadians in the women’s race include 2022 Canadian marathon champion Malindi Elmore, and Ontario twins Michelle Krezonoski and Kim Krezonoski.
This year’s women’s field is exceptionally fast and showcases many who’ve been podium finishers on the global stage. It’ll make for an exciting race from Hopkinton to Boston, and we look forward to crowning our champions on April 15,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the Boston Athletic Association.
Representatives from 20 countries will participate in the Bank of America Professional Athlete Team, emphasizing the international stature of the event.
Hellen Obiri, the two-time Olympic silver medalist from Kenya, is set to defend her Open Division title after a remarkable victory in the 2023 Boston Marathon. Obiri, now residing in Colorado, expressed her excitement to return and attempt to etch her name further into the marathon’s illustrious history.
“I am excited to return to the 2024 Boston Marathon to try to defend my title,” said Obiri, who finished last year’s race in 2:21:38. “Boston is an historic race and I would like to add my name further to its history on April 15. Winning such an historic marathon with my family waiting at the finish line was an amazing experience.”
The Ethiopian contingent, featuring Worknesh Degefa, Tadu Teshome, Hiwot Gebremaryam, and Senbere Teferi, brings a trifecta of marathon talent with lifetime bests under 2:18:00. Also competing from Ethiopia is experienced marathoner Ababel Yeshaneh, aiming to secure victory in Boston.
On the American front, Desiree Linden, the 2018 Boston Marathon champion, is making a return for her eleventh appearance, with Emma Bates joining her after an impressive fifth-place finish last year.
In the Wheelchair Division, Susannah Scaroni, the 2023 champion, is determined to defend her title against tough competition, including Manuela Schär of Switzerland and Madison de Rozario of Australia, both seasoned champions in their own right.
The Para Athletics Divisions will feature familiar faces like Liz Willis, the defending champion and world record holder, along with newcomers like Kelly Bruno, an accomplished ultra-marathoner, triathlete, and Survivor contestant.
Bank of America, the presenting partner of the Boston Marathon, is providing substantial support, with over $1 million in prize money up for grabs across all divisions. The competition promises to be fierce, with a course record bonus of $50,000 available for open and wheelchair athletes.
As the 128th Boston Marathon approaches, anticipation is building for a historic event that continues to inspire athletes and communities worldwide.
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