In a race that saw more than 6,300 athletes challenging themselves over 13.1 miles through the iconic streets of Boston in the B.A.A. Half Marathon, Kenyan runner Abel Kipchumba emerged victorious in the men’s category with a stunning time of 1:01:32.
Kipchumba faced the dual challenge of the chilly weather and the notorious hills of Boston, but his determination and crowd support helped him secure the win.
Kipchumba expressed his joy after the race, stating to B.A.A., “Today was difficult because it was very cold. And as we know, Boston has a lot of hills. But I managed to win the race, so I am happy. I like the crowds. They cheered me, and I got a lot of energy to push the pace.”
In the men’s race, Patrick Tiernan of Australia placed second in 1:01:56, followed by Yemane Haileselassie of Eritrea rounded out the podium after finishing in 1:02:17.
Meanwhile, Ethiopian athletes showcased their prowess in the women’s race by securing the top three positions.
Fotyen Tesfay claimed victory with an impressive time of 1:08:46, followed closely by Senbere Teferi (1:09:00) and Tsigie Gebreselama (1:09:06).
Tesfay, reflecting on her win, said to B.A.A., “The pack was so big, but I managed to move ahead of them as I got close to the finish to take the win. This is my first time running a half marathon in Boston and the coldest race I have ever run, so I am very happy to win.”
Notably, Keira D’Amato from the USA finished fourth, with Teferi, Gebreselama, and D’Amato crossing the finish line within a remarkable 12-second window.
The wheelchair division saw Americans Jenna Fesemyer and Hermin Garic emerging as the victors, while American Paralympian Liz Willis set a world record in the lower limb impairment division with a time of 1:45:19.
Willis expressed her elation, stating to B.A.A., “It feels unbelievable to have set a world record. The fact that the B.A.A. has given us the opportunity to do this is extremely humbling, and I hope I can pave the way for future Paralympians to see that there are possibilities for them in this sport.”
A significant aspect of the event was the participation of over 600 athletes representing the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund, raising more than $700,000 to fight cancer.
The B.A.A. Half Marathon, presented by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, drew participants from 46 U.S. states and 97 countries, emphasizing its global appeal.
The event also featured various divisions, including the B.A.A. Distance Medley, offering athletes a year-long experience in training and racing at different distances.
The 2023 B.A.A. Half Marathon showcased a blend of international competition, personal achievements, and philanthropy, further solidifying its status as a premier event in the world of distance running.
The Boston Athletic Association and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute celebrated the success of the race and their partnership in promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running.
