First American woman wins Boston Marathon since 1985
The 2018 Boston Marathon took place on Monday and 34-year-old runner Desiree Linden became the first American to win the women's race in 33 years.
Linden, who represented the United States in both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, endured the rain and cold Boston temperatures to take the history-making victory, the first for an American woman in this marathon since 1985. Her time was 2 hours 39 minutes 53 seconds.
Here's emotional footage of her running across the finish line celebrating by hugging her husband and coach.
WATCH: She's Done It!!! American Des Linden wins the #BostonMarathon ! pic.twitter.com/avRdxnb5re
— WBZ | CBS Boston News (@wbz) April 16, 2018
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After news of the long-anticipated victory spread, Twitter flooded with congratulations from fans, fellow athletes, and others inspired by Linden's hard work.
SHE DID IT! @des_linden🇺🇸 has won #Boston2018🏆! She is the first American woman to win the #BostonMarathon since 1985.
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) April 16, 2018
HISTORY!@des_linden is the first elite American female winner of the Boston Marathon since 1985! 😱 #GoDesi #BostonMarathon pic.twitter.com/LdscEaS5je
— U.S. Olympic Team (@TeamUSA) April 16, 2018
Your 2018 Boston Marathon open women’s champion Desiree Linden!!! pic.twitter.com/D0D4hJNI9m
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon) April 16, 2018
Congrats @des_linden!!! pic.twitter.com/YDExBapXen
— C Tolle Run (@CTolleRun) April 16, 2018
.@des_linden was my first roommate at my first pro race ever— took the time to run with me & give me advice. she took the time. i greatly appreciated it i am so happy for her!
— Alexi Pappas (@AlexiPappas) April 16, 2018
NEVER GIVE UP!!! @des_linden is you BOSTON MARATHON CHAMPION! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2m1vOlpd4O
— Kara Goucher (@karagoucher) April 16, 2018
Within our inner competitive running world, amongst private and public conversations, I don’t know of a single athlete who doesn’t respect and admire @des_linden We couldn’t have a more deserving American @bostonmarathon champion. Congratulations Des. ❤️
— Jenny Simpson (@trackjenny) April 16, 2018
Over three decades have passed since an American woman last won Boston, but today marks an end to the streak. Congratulations to @des_linden on a truly incredible first place finish today, we couldn’t be any prouder. Now go celebrate with a post-race beer! #RunHappyBOS pic.twitter.com/C5svSzf5xN
— Brooks Running (@brooksrunning) April 16, 2018
WINNER! America has a new hero! @des_linden wins th @bostonmarathon and her first #AbbottWMM race! 👏👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🏆 pic.twitter.com/SyZ2O7ixsR
— Abbott WMMajors (@WMMajors) April 16, 2018
Here's what it means to @des_linden 👏👏🇺🇸🇺🇸 #AbbottWMM pic.twitter.com/kONd2DpVnF
— Abbott WMMajors (@WMMajors) April 16, 2018
Nothing sweeter than the Star Spangled Banner after making history, @des_linden. #BostonMarathon pic.twitter.com/LgrcQoFJm5
— NBCSN (@NBCSN) April 16, 2018
Many who were keeping up with the race also took the time to celebrate the fact that Linden stopped to help her teammate Shalane Flanagan take a bathroom break at a Port-a-Potty earlier. It appeared as though Linden slowed down to wait for Flanagan, who ended up coming in sixth, and helped her build up momentum again.
Take Note people: @des_linden helped a 'teammate' in Shalane early in the race and is now on her way to win. Don't be selfish, recognize some things are bigger than yourself.
— Steve Magness (@stevemagness) April 16, 2018
Linden temporarily took herself out of contention to help fellow American Shalane Flanagan, who dropped out of the lead pack to go to a portable toilet. Linden hung back to wait for Flanagan so they could both return to the lead pack together. #BostonMarathon
— David Daniel (@CNNLADavid) April 16, 2018
One of the greatest moments of camaraderie and sportsmanship and history as @des_linden, who slowed down to help Shalane Flanagan get back from a bathroom break, wins the Boston Marathon!
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 16, 2018
Boston Marathon champ Linden tells NBC: in early miles she felt miserable, so she told US teammate Flanagan, "If there's anything I can do to help you out let me know because I might drop out." Helped with bathroom break, then rebounded for the win.
— Sara Germano (@germanotes) April 16, 2018
Like Linden, Flanagan recently made history and became the first American to win the women's New York City Marathon since 1977.
As for the men's race, 31-year-old Yuki Kawauchi, of Japan, won with a time of 2:15:53.