One of the goals for any serious marathon runner is to run a Boston Qualifying (BQ) time just to qualify to enter one of the oldest and most iconic races in the world. Most spectators’ eyes were on the battle at the front of the race where world record holder, Eliud Kipchoge was attempting to win his 5th world major marathon while his fellow Kenyan, last year’s winner, Evans Chebet sought to defend his title. North Down AC supporters were eagerly watching the online athlete tracker to follow club members Ashley Dixon and Helen Byers in the 127th Boston Marathon. By the dreaded Heartbreak Hill at approximately mile 20 Chebet was pulling away from Kipchoge and the other lead runners and he ran a hard last 10k to outpace his chasing group by the final mile finishing in 2:05:54. Kipchoge finished in 6th place in 2:09:23. Ashley Dixon didn’t keep NDAC supporters waiting for too long to see him cross the line as he completed the marathon in an incredible 2:36:52. Helen Byers also finished in a superb time of 3:26:45.
[photo – Helen Byers – Boston Marathon finish line]