It’s that time of the year again when the eyes of the world look to New England. The 123rd Boston Marathon will take place in what forecasters are predicting to be tough conditions. Weather reports are calling for it to be a rainy and windy Patriots’ Day. That shouldn’t affect last year’s winners — both of whom are back for another race. Last year’s race was held in near-freezing temperatures and torrential rains.
Boston Marathon Schedule:
9:02 a.m. – Men’s Push-Rim Wheelchair
9:04 a.m. – Women’s Push-Rim Wheelchair
9:25 a.m. – Handcycles & Duos Participants
10:00 a.m. – Elite Women
10:02 a.m. – Wave One
10:25 a.m. – Wave Two
10:50 a.m. – Wave Three followed by Wave Four
National TV Channel: NBCSN
Local TV Channel: CBS
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
On the men’s side, Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi is looking to repeat as champion, something that hasn’t happened since 2008 when Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot of Kenya won his third straight race. Kawauchi’s winning time of 2:15:54 in 2018 was the slowest of a male winner since 1976. He surprised everyone with his approach to the race by starting off at an uncommonly strong pace, leaving experts sure he’d fade late. While he did relinquish his lead, he regained it in time to win and prove everyone wrong. He has now become a full-time runner and will be hoping that transition leads to repeat success this year.
Other contenders to win according to those in the know include Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, who won the New York Marathon back in November. 2017 winner Geoffrey Kirui of Kenya is also considered among the favorites after finish second last year.
For the first time since 1985, the marathon has an American woman entering as the defending champion. Desi Linden of Michigan clocked in with a time of 2:39:54 in her sixth career attempt. She’s aiming to become the first repeat female champion since 2005 when Catherine Ndereba of Kenya pulled off the feat. Worknesh Degefa and Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia and Edna Kiplagat and Betsy Saina of Kenya are among the favorites to unseat the American.
While the handicappers can have their say, last year’s two winners were both considered longshots to head their respective fields. Will there be a few more surprise winners this year?
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