Kenya's Wesley Korir has won the men's race at the 2012 Boston Marathon, finishing in a time of 2:12:40. As he broke the tape, Korir could only manage to repeat the words, "Oh wow," over and over. Oh wow, indeed -- Korir had quite the comeback victory Monday, passing leader and countryman Levy Matebo over the last mile.
As projected, the effect of the near-record high temperatures were felt -- It was the slowest winning time since 2007, and the second slowest since 1985.
A slower pace kept the men's group together for much of the race until around mile 19, when Mathew Kisorio and Levy Matebo separated from the pack. At the top of Heartbreak Hill, Matebo pulled away, but perhaps it was too much too soon, as Korir eventually showed. Kisorio, who was at times the race leader, finished what must be a disappointing 10th.
The defending champion and number-one marathoner in the world, Geoffrey Mutai, dropped out of the race at mile 18 because of cramps. Mutai, who set a course record at Boston with a 2:03:02 last year, may have cost himself a spot on Kenya's Olympic team.
Official Men's 2012 Boston Marathon Results:
- Wesley Korir (Kenya) - 2:12:40
- Levy Matebo (Kenya) - 2:13:06
- Bernard Kipyego (Kenya) - 2:13:13
- Jason Hartmann (USA) - 2:14:31
- Wilson Chebet (Kenya) - 2:14:56
- Laban Korir (Kenya) - 2:15:29
- Michael Butter (Netherlands) - 2:16:38
- David Barmasai (Kenya) - 2:17:16
- Hideaki Tamura (Japan) - 2:18:15 (marathon debut)
- Matthew Kisorio (Kenya) - 2:18:15
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