Ethiopia’s Lelisa Desisa reclaims Boston Marathon title

BOSTON — Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia reclaimed the title he won two years ago, winning the Boston Marathon by a 31-second margin Monday.

Desisa pulled away from the pack late and continued to create distance all the way to the finish line for a time of 2 hours, nine minutes and 17 seconds Monday in the 119th Boston Marathon.

Two years ago Desisa donated his marathon medal to the city, in a show of support for Boston after the bombings.

Yemane Adhane Tsegay of Ethiopia was second (2:09:22), followed by Wilson Chebet (2:10:22) of Kenya.

Caroline Rotich of Kenya won the women’s race with a time of 2:24:55. Rotich and Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia ran side-by-side over the last couple miles before Rotich was able to stride ahead with about 30 yards to go and finished four seconds ahead of Dibaba.

Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Deba took third (2:25:09) followed by American Desiree Linden.

Runners and spectators were greeted with a cold, gray morning Monday.