Meb keflazighi, 38, won the Boston marathon on Monday, April 21, 2015. This was the first time in 31 years that an American has won the race. Greg Meyer won Boston in 1983 in 2:09:00 and this year Meb won it in 2:08:37. The prize money was said to be around $150,000. The top female winner was Rita Jeptoo, 33, from Kenya, who made a course record of 2:18:57. She now has won two Boston Marathons in a row.
After last years tragic events, 36,000 runners still took the challenge of the marathon. There was 79 countries represented by runners. 98.4% of the runners who started the race finished.
The race is not only for completing personal records but also for raising money for charitable causes. 26 years ago the Boston Athletic Association became an official charity program. Since the it has raised over $140 million. Around 28 charities are affiliated with the Boston Marathon. The Alzheimer’s Association was present by the team name of ” RUN to END Alzheimer’s” raised $228,000 for treatment and research for its cause.
Not only is this race known for raising money for charitable causes it also helps the city of Boston. The economic impact of the race is estimated to contribute 175 million dollars on the race alone. With around 32,000 runners and over a million spectators the money spent in the area starts building up.
In lieu of the tragic events last year there was a one mile tribute run. The one mile was to salute the survivors and to remember those who were lost. The crowd was filled with the “Boston Strong” attitude.