It was a nasty day to run 26.2 miles through Boston. But American Desiree Linden pushed her way through a powerful headwind and cold rain and up Heartbreak Hill to triumph at the Boston Marathon — the first time a U.S. woman has won in 33 years.
"It's supposed to be hard," Linden after her victory, shivering with a laurel wreath atop her head. "It's good to get it done."
The poor conditions turned the race into a slog. Linden's winning time — 2 hours, 39 minutes and 54 seconds — is the slowest time for a winner in the women's race since 1978, according to The Associated Press. The winning time , posted by , was nearly 18 minutes faster.
It was for American women, who claimed seven of the top eight spots in the race.
Post-race with the champion, Des!
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon)
Linden, a 34-year-old who lives in Michigan, wowed commentators when she for Shalane Flanagan while her teammate made 45 minutes into the race.
In the 2011 Boston Marathon, Linden , just two seconds behind winner Caroline Kilel. She ran it in a personal best 2:22:38. Linden is also a — she came in seventh at the 2016 Rio Games but had to drop out a few miles into the marathon at the 2012 London Games because of a stress fracture.
Desi Linden just told NBCSN that she stopped for Flanagan's porta potty break she assumed that she (Linden) was going to drop out soon, anyway, so why not help Flanagan. Amazing.
— Tim Layden (@ByTimLayden)
This year's men's race was won by Japan's Yuki Kawauchi, with a time of 2:15:58. He is Japan's first Boston Marathon winner since 1987. Boston was Kawauchi's fourth marathon — and fourth win — this year, The New York Times .
"For me, these are the best conditions possible," he told the AP.
Marcel Hug of Switzerland notched his fifth win in the men's wheelchair division, while American woman Tatyana McFadden also won her fifth title.
This year's marathon marks since bombs exploded at the finish line, killing three people and wounding hundreds.
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Where everybody knows your name... 💙💛
— des_linden (@des_linden)
Your 2018 Champions! 🏆
— Boston Marathon (@bostonmarathon)