Marcel Hug, a wheelchair racer from Switzerland, won the men’s wheelchair race at the Boston Marathon for the seventh time, breaking the course record. Despite crashing into a barrier, Hug managed to recover quickly and finish the race in 1 hour, 15 minutes, and 33 seconds. Britain’s Eden Rainbow-Cooper also won her first major marathon victory in the women’s wheelchair race.
The 128th edition of the Boston Marathon started in Hopkinton, which was celebrating its 100th anniversary as the race’s starting line. Nearly 30,000 runners, including 17 former champions, participated in the race. The day was also significant as it marked the anniversary of the 2013 bombing that occurred near the finish line on Boylston Street.
The weather was perfect for the marathon, with minimal wind, sunny skies, and temperatures rising into the 60s along the 26.2-mile route. Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski served as the grand marshal and remarked on the energy and support of the city of Boston for the event. The race started early in the morning, with Massachusetts National Guard members leading the way.
The marathon featured a strong American contingent, with top runners like Emma Bates and Sara Hall participating in the race. Two-time defending champion Evans Chebet and Hellen Obiri, who won the women’s race last year, were also among the favorites. Chebet aimed to become the first three-time winner since 2008 and potentially secure a spot in the Paris Olympics.
Despite facing competition and being left off the provisional roster for the Kenyan marathon team, Chebet aimed to prove himself with a strong finish in the Boston Marathon. The Kenyan runners have been dominant in the marathon events, with several victories in major races. The event was particularly special for race director Dave McGillivray, who ran the course with his children for the first time in years.
Overall, the 2022 Boston Marathon was a celebration of resilience, determination, and a tribute to the history of the iconic race. Despite challenges, including crashes and injuries, the athletes showed incredible grit and determination to conquer the course. The race brought together runners from around the world, showcasing the spirit of unity and competition that defines the Boston Marathon.
