TheFinalSprint.com - Track & Field, Marathons, Racing News, Training Advice, Elite Athlete Blogs, Interviews, Podcasts, Videos and More! - TheFinalSprint.com is the Premier Destination for Track & Field, Marathon, Cross Country, Olympic and Road Racing Enthusiasts.

Lead Stories: Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Boston Marathon 2008:
Elite Women’s Preview

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

Section: News & Results, Marathons

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.
Read the rest of this entry »

Comment on this post | Permalink

Prokopcuka, Grigoryeva Headline Elite Women’s Field at 2008 Boston Marathon

Posted February 13th, 2008 at 11:32 AM by Martin Kennedy

Section: News & Results, Marathons

In its 23rd year as the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon, John Hancock Financial announced their team of top women contenders for the 112th running of the race on April 21. Defending Boston Champion Lidiya Grigoryeva is set to compete against 2006 winner Rita Jeptoo, two-time runner-up Jelena Prokopcuka and a new generation of international talent.

The blend of athletes with experience on the course and those new to the challenges of the hilly Hopkinton to Boston route should lead to a highly competitive race. Collectively the group has won 18 international marathons in the past three years and the top nine contenders have less than a three-minute differential in their personal best times. In addition, the athletes will be vying for a top Boston showing to secure a position on their country’s Olympic teams.
Read the rest of this entry »

One comment, add yours | Permalink