Against a backdrop of autumn leaves instead of spring forsythia in the pandemic postponed 2021 edition, Kipruto (men’s open division), Kipyokei (women’s open), Hug (men’s wheelchair) and Schär (women’s wheelchair) will all go down in history as champions of the 125th Boston Marathon. It was the first win here for Kenyans Kipruto and Kipyokei, with the Swiss duo of Hug and Schär breaking breaking the tape for the fifth and third time, respectively.
The first 20 miles of the men's open division belonged, shockingly, to American CJ Albertson. Considering himself "the best downhill runner in the world," Albertson celebrated his 28th birthday by lighting the candle from the get-go; by 5K, he was 59 seconds in front of the field; by 10K, 1:37; and by halfway, 2:13 (in 1:04:08) — after enjoying a solo trip through the Wellesley College scream tunnel.
"I just ran my race," he told WBZTV afterward. "You've got to play your strengths."
strengths." It would be the biggest lead of the day for Albertson, who finished 7th in the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. The rubber band finally began to contract as he
Swiss sensations Marcel Hug and Manuela Schär returned to the top of the podium in Boston.
Local Spotlight: Colin Bennie
Hometown: Princeton, Mass.
High School: Wachusett Regional High School (Holden)
College: Syracuse University
2021 Boston Marathon: 7th place overall, top American finisher in 2:11:26
ON RUNNING HIS FIRST BOSTON MARATHON:
For me, racing the Boston Marathon was such an incredible way to bring my journey through the sport of running back around full circle in an amazingly meaningful way. The Boston Marathon spectators are very likely the best crowd in the world of running. I can absolutely confirm that after my race, and having the added bonus of former classmates, teachers, and coaches out on the course to cheer for me meant the world to me. There are very few races like Boston that create such a meaningful connection, with all the
spectators, runners, and volunteers coming together to create a truly electric atmosphere. I can't wait to experience it again, and won't ever forget my first time making the trip from Hopkinton to Boston.
TO ALL BOSTON FINISHERS:
Congratulations to everyone who finished the Boston Marathon this year! It is no small accomplishment to make the journey from Hopkinton to Boylston Street, and to have done it after the crazy 900 days since the last Boston Marathon is even more of a remarkable feat. You all should be thrilled to have tackled the first Boston Marathon in the fall and hopefully even more excited to get back on the course in April. I consider myself lucky to have shared the streets with all of you runners and the many volunteers and spectators that make Boston such an exciting place to run a marathon. Congratulations again!