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MARATHON MILESTONES

Four Boston Marathon Milestone Medals were awarded in special ceremonies throughout race weekend.

Ernst van Dyk, the all-time winningest Boston Marathon champion, was presented a Milestone Medal in recognition of his 22nd and final competitive Boston Marathon. The 10-time winner was also surprised on Sunday at the pre-race professional meeting with an ovation from his fellow athletes, all sporting special shirts featuring Ernst’s face.

In celebration of returning to Lelisa Desisa, the two-time Boston Boston 50 years after their 1973 wins, Jacqueline Hansen and Jon Anderson both earned Milestone Medals as they served as honorary ambassadors over race week. On Marathon Monday, both were ceremonial official starters, with Hansen starting the women's race and Anderson the men's competition.

Lelisa Desisa, the two-time Boston Marathon champion, famously donated his 2013 winning medal back to the City of Boston in honor of those affected by the April 15, 2013 tragedy on Boylston Street. This year, the B.A.A. presented a Milestone Medal to Desisa on Boylston Street in recognition of his selfless act a decade ago.