On Monday, even though runners from all over the world competed in the oldest annual marathon in the world in Boston, Africans would place in the top 10 spots for both the men’s and women’s competitions, with Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa (pictured left) and Kenya’s Caroline Rotich (pictured) coming in at first place, respectively.
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For the 25-year-old Desisa, this is the second time he is winning the Boston Marathon. In 2013, 
Desisa won two hours before a bomb exploded, wounding nearly 300 people and killing three.
Showing his love for the city of Boston, Desisa returned his gold medal to the city in memory of those who were killed.
Taking him 2:09:17 this
go-round, Desisa’s win was described as a “comfortable” one, being that he pulled away from the pack of runners in the last few miles of the race.
Of his win, Desisa told the New York Times, “This medal is mine to keep.”
He also told the Washington Post, “I am happy to win, No. 1.”
Coming in at second and third place was Yemane Adhane Tsegay of Ethiopia and Wilson Chebet of Kenya, respectively.
Here is the full list of the top 10 winners of the 2015 Men’s Boston Marathon:
| Place | Name | Official Time | Country |
| 1 | Lelisa Desisa | 2:09:17 | ETH |
| 2 | Yemane Adhane Tsegay | 2:09:48 | ETH |
| 3 | Wilson Chebet | 2:10:22 | KEN |
| 4 | Bernard Kipyego | 2:10:47 | KEN |
| 5 | Wesley Korir | 2:10:49 | KEN |
| 6 | Frankline Chepkwony | 2:10:52 | KEN |
| 7 | Dathan Ritzenhein | 2:11:20 | USA |
| 8 | Meb Keflezighi | 2:12:42 | USA |
| 9 | Tadese Tola | 2:13:35 | ETH |
| 10 | Vitaliy Shafar | 2:13:52 | UKR |
The Women’s marathon had much more drama, since Caroline Rotich of Kenya and Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia had to sprint against each other for the top prize.
Rotich, who went to high school in Japan and is fluent in Japanese, ultimately bested Dibaba in the final stretch, even though it was Dibaba who surged ahead initially.
Watch Rotich and Dibaba go head to head here!
Of her win, Rotich says, “I saw the finish line tape and I thought this is it, I’m not going to let it go.”
Rotich’s win makes her the fifth Kenyan woman in a row to win the Boston Marathon.
Ethiopian Buzunesh Deba came in, in third place.
Here is the full list of winners for the 2015 Women’s Boston Marathon:
| Place | Name | Official Time | Country |
| 1 | Caroline Rotich | 2:24:55 | KEN |
| 2 | Mare Dibaba | 2:24:59 | ETH |
| 3 | Buzunesh Deba | 2:25:09 | ETH |
| 4 | Desiree Linden | 2:25:39 | USA |
| 5 | Sharon Cherop | 2:26:05 | KEN |
| 6 | Caroline Kilel | 2:26:40 | KEN |
| 7 | Aberu Kebede | 2:26:52 | ETH |
| 8 | Shure Demise | 2:27:14 | ETH |
| 9 | Shalane Flanagan | 2:27:47 | USA |
| 10 | Joyce Chepkirui | 2:29:07 | KEN |
Go, Africa!!!
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