After being cancelled in 2020 and postponed in 2021, the Boston Marathon was held in autumn for the first time in its 125-year history, taking place on a mild October Monday. Due to the pandemic, the race was pushed back from its normal date in April, while COVID-19 protocols such as crowd distancing and vaccine requirements were implemented.
Benson Kipruto from Kenya won the marathon with a time of 2:09:51, following his win at the 2021 Prague Marathon. Also from Kenya is Diana Chemtai Kipyogei, who won the women’s field in her Boston Marathon debut to clinch yet another sweep for Kenya. Meanwhile, two Swiss natives, Marcel Hug and Manuela Schar, won the men’s and women’s wheelchair divisions, respectively.
There were many other notable runners in the race as well. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a member of the Laguna Pueblo, ran to honor her Native American heritage and Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Famous athletes also participated in the marathon. Danica Patrick, former NASCAR and IndyCar driver, completed the race in four hours alongside her sister Brooke, while former New England Patriots fullback James Develin did it in four and a half.
Overall, the race provided its participants and the city of Boston as a whole a nice return to normal. The fall setting provided a charming scenery for a historic event, while COVID regulations did not dampen the spirit. Many runners stated their excitement and relief that marathons across the world are returning.
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