In the men’s race, Lemi Berhanu Hayle closely followed the tactics of two-time champion Lelisa Desisa with the intention of running strategically, rather than showcasing his 2:04 marathon speed. The two men broke from a large lead pack at 16 miles and then led the race side by side for the next nine miles until Hayle put in a surge that Desisa couldn’t match. The past champion held on for the runner-up spot, but the olive wreath belonged to the 21-year-old newcomer. “Winning Boston has been the highlight of my career,” said Hayle. “Crossing the finish line first, after running so far with some of the best runners in the world, is a wonderful feeling. The fans along the way were incredible and I can’t wait to return to defend my title in April.” After a disappointing 13th place finish at the 2016 Olympic Games Marathon, Hayle won the 2017 Xiamen International Marathon and says the win has given him good energy and morale for his Boston training.

Hayle says he knew he had a talent for running when he won the Assela High School Championships in the 1500m in 2005. He trains in Addis Ababa and the surrounding areas with a large group of elites including Sisay Lemma and Dino Sefir, who will also run Boston this year. The group is coached by Gemedu Dedefo. When he is not running, Hayle likes to watch movies and soccer and spend time with his friends. “The reason I choose to run the Boston Marathon is because I am the defending champion,” says Hayle. “I hope to be a winner again and make the spectators who cheered for me last year happy again.”

“I will win again and I will #BeBoston.”