2002 Boston Marathon

In his Boston debut, Rodgers Rop from Kenya reclaimed the men’s title for his country with his winning time of 2:09:02. Rop led a 1-2-3-4 finish of Kenyan men, with countryman Christopher Cheboiboch finishing just three seconds back for second place. Women’s winner Margaret Okayo of Kenya set a course record of 2:20:43, eclipsing Uta Pippig’s 1994 record-setting run of 2:21:45 by more than one minute. Amid a heavy mist that limited visibility and in humid conditions (96% humidity, 57 degrees), Okayo also defeated defending champion and world-record holder Catherine Ndereba in their eagerly anticipated first marathon match-up. Ndereba finished second in 2:21:12. Keith Dowling of Virginia was the first American finisher (15th overall) in a personal best time of 2:13:28.

Massachusetts native Jill Gaitenby was the top American woman for the second consecutive year (2:38:55, 13th woman). In the women’s masters race, Firaya Sultanova-Zhdanova of Russia broke the 14-year-old course record set by Priscilla Welch (2:30:48) by two minutes, 50 seconds with her 2:27:58 victory over the defending masters champion, Denmark’s Gitte Karlshoj. It was the fastest marathon by a female masters runner on U.S. soil (U.S. all-comers record). On the men’s side, Kenyan Joshua Kipkemboi reclaimed the masters title from rival Fedor V. Ryzhov of Russia, finishing in 2:12:48. With 16,936 entrants, the 2002 race was a compelling commemoration of Patriots’ Day as runners and spectators alike demonstrated their patriotism along the route and in special pre-race ceremonies.