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Boston Marathon 2008:
Elite Women’s Preview

Posted April 20th, 2008 at 7:15 PM by Jared Markowitz

Section: News & Results, Marathons

Jelena Lidiya 2007 Boston Marathon The Women’s race at the 2008 Boston Marathon will feature two former champions and a host of strong challengers. Both 2006 champion Rita Jeptoo (Kenya), and 2007 champion Lidiya Grigoryeva (Russia) will be back shooting for their second Boston title. They will be challenged by two-time New York winner and Boston runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka (Latvia) for both the Boston Marathon championship and points in the World Marathon Majors standings.

Last year’s race provided an interesting preview for the 2008 edition, as Grigoryeva prevailed over Jeptoo, Prokopcuka, and American record holder Deena Kastor in brutally windy and rainy conditions to take her first major title. Grigoryeva and Prokopcuka were clearly the strongest runners on that day, with Grigoryeva capitalizing on Prokopcuka’s aggressive early pace and willingness to take the wind throughout. These two seem destined for a rematch, with Jeptoo clearly a factor as well.

One new face that could challenge the established contenders is 22 year old Ethiopian Dire Tune, who ran 2:24:04 to break the course record and win the Houston Marathon in January. Also in the mix should be 2006 New York runner-up and Ukranian national record holder Tetyana Kuzina-Hladyr as well as 2007 Amsterdam champion Magdaline Chemjor (Kenya) and Ethiopian Askale Tafa Magarsa, who ran 2:23:23 in Dubai this January. Finally, Alevtina Biktimirova (Russia), Bruna Genovese (Italy), and Robe Tola Guta (Ethiopia) all could pull the upset if things go their way.

With nice weather expected and an illustrious field assembled, the women’s race at the 2008 Boston Marathon should be fast and tightly contested. Past champions will try to reassert themselves while the new stars continue to emerge. Regardless of the outcome, this race should be another Boston classic.

For more news, analysis, interviews, videos, and results from the 2008 Boston Marathon and USA Olympic Women’s Marathon Trials, please visit:

http://boston.thefinalsprint.com/