2021 Boston Marathon

For the first time in race history, the Boston Marathon was held in the fall. Postponed from Patriots’ Day to October 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the 125th edition marked the return to road racing in Boston after a 910 day hiatus. In the men’s race, American CJ Albertson (running on his 28th birthday) took an early lead in Hopkinton and gapped the field by more than two minutes at halfway. Albertson led until the Newton hills, where he was passed in the 20th mile by a large pack of contenders. Kenya’s Benson Kipruto took command two miles later and powered away for his first Boston victory in 2:09:51. Diana Kipyokei made it a clean sweep for Kenya atop the podium, winning the women’s race in just her third marathon and first Boston. Kipyokei stayed patient among a large group until 19 miles, when she opened up a 12 second lead on the field. Despite Ethiopia’s Netsanet Gudeta drawing even and challenging two miles later, Kipyokei countered with a winning move at 22 miles and prevailed in 2:24:45. Edna Kiplagat set a masters division record, running 2:25:09 for her second consecutive runner-up finish. Top American honors went to Colin Bennie (a Massachusetts native and graduate of Wachusett Regional High School) and Nell Rojas. More than 22,000 additional participants completed the Virtual 125th Boston Marathon in neighborhoods around the world.