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Due to multiple flight cancelations caused by the Icelandic volcano ash, many European athletes were unable to attend the 114th running of The Boston Marathon today. However, Tatyana Puskareva (RUS) was lucky to be in attendance and she was due for a spectacular finish.
As reigning 2009 Champion Salina Kosgei (KEN) dominated the women’s 26 mile, 385 yard (42.195 Kilometer) race, it seemed she had this competition in the bag. Having won the race in 2009, she appeared sure that her rivals were far behind. She charged ahead not knowing that just beyond sight was her biggest challenge of the day.
The Russian runner Tatyana Puskareva (RUS), who most recently ROCKED the “Rock n’ Roll Marathon San Antonio” with a 2:30:30 and the “Siberian Marathon” (burr) at 2:34:55 appeared on the horizon. As the last few miles were covered, the distance between the two became rapidly shorter. The seasoned Salina Kosgei (KEN) watched her lead become smaller and smaller during the last minute of this race. When she finally crossed the finish line, she was left with a lead of only 4 seconds and successfully defended her title.
Overall, the event was nothing short of spectacular. Robert Cheruiyot (KEN) set a new course record of 2:05:52 earning him a $25,000 bonus in addition to what is given to all champions, $150,000 and a golden olive wreath from the city of Marathon, Greece. With over 20,000 participants, there were many age group athletes who conquered their own goals as well.
The Boston Marathon is a staple of endurance sports culture and is to many the “Holy Grail” of running. Many attempt to qualify to compete and few actually earn the chance. Do you have what it takes to race this amazing event? Learn more at http://www.bostonmarathon.org/
