Boston Marathon: Sisay Lemma and Hellen Obiri give Africa the double

Sisay Lemma et Hellen Obiri, marathon de Boston

The 128th Boston Marathon has delivered its verdict. The Africans totally dominated the race, with victories for Sisay Lemma in the men's race and Hellen Obiri in the women's.

The Boston Marathon took place on Monday April 15.And as in other races over the distance, Africa crushed the competition. In Massachusetts, Sisay Lemma won the men's race. The Ethiopian finished in 2:06:17. A real redemption for the 33-year-old cross-country skier. He had missed out on two editions in Boston.His compatriot Mohamed Esa finished^2nd at 41 seconds. Third place went to Kenyan Evans Chebet, who finished the race in 2:07:22. In the top 10, there was only one non-African, with American CJ Albertson in ^7th place.

" Previously, I hadn't finished this race, so I wanted to redeem myself, which is why I came," Lemma says, "Fortunately, I was able to redeem myself, so I'm happy.My plan was to beat the course record, but the hills at the end really tired me out. The reason I ran in Boston is that the course is similar to the Olympic one, so I hope it will be good preparation for the Paris Games. ". With the 2024 Olympics just a few months away, Lemma is issuing a warning to his rivals. After winning the race in Valencia (2:01:48,^4th best time in history), he distinguished himself at the Boston Marathon.

Kenya crowned women's champion

In the women's race, it was Kenya's Hellen Obiri who came out on top. The 34-year-old clocked 2:22:37 to retain her title in the American city. She was followed by two of her compatriots: Sharon Lokedi (^2nd, 2:22:45) and Edna Kiplagat (^3rd, 2:23:21). The women's top 10 at this year's Boston Marathon was entirely African.