The women’s race at the 121rst Boston Boston was spectacular. For much of the race, well, for the first 17 1/2 miles, both Americans Desi Linden and marathon debuttante Jordan Hasay were in the mix. From 19 to 20 miles, Edna Kiplagat charged, and I mean charged up hill, running a five minute mile and destroying the field. In the carnage, Desi went off the back, into the cold corner of hell called fourth place. Jordan Hasay held one, running a 2:23:00 marathon (this writer has suggested 2:24-2:25), Rose Chelimo took second and Edna Kiplagat won her first Boston.
The Women’s presser was pretty good. Edna speaks well, and Jordan, Desi and Dot McMahon, the first masters women, were quite articulate. Desi Linden said it best, ” we are putting more and more Americans up on the podium. John Hancock should be commended for helping educate the fans about the top athletes…it will happen.”
One thinks that, with Jordan and Desi as examples, (and Shalane and Amy), it could come soon.
