Boston Marathon 2018: Norwich Runners' Results

BOSTON, MA — Seven years ago, Desi Linden finished second at the Boston Marathon. This year, she didn't even think she'd finish when she stopped to lend a local favorite a hand after a bathroom break.

Not only did Linden finish - she cruised alone across Boylston Street finish line. The 2018 Boston Marathon elite women's title was hers, and no amount of rain could wash it away.

Linden, who lives in Michigan, braved freezing downpours, heavy winds, and the aforementioned slight delay to become the first American woman to win Boston in more than three decades. She embraced family and friends amidst cheers after crossing the finish line. Her official time was 2 hours 39 minutes 54 seconds.

In the men's race, Yuki Kawauchi of Japan rode a late surge to the gold medal with a time of 2:15:58, the slowest winning time since 1976. Kawauchi is the first Japanese man to win Boston since 1987.

A total of 358 runners from Connecticut finished this year race, including two from Norwich. Here are the Norwich runners' results:

• 1,064 overall: Emmanuel Gomez, Norwich, age 32 - 2:55:15
• 14,111 overall: Tracy Drozynski, Norwich, age 52 - 3:52:41

This year featured the 122nd edition of the historic race. But the conditions offered a dangerous twist. The rain, wind, and cold were so bad that the Red Sox postponed their annual morning Patriots Day game for the first time since 1984. It's been tradition for fans to pour out of Fenway Park and take the short walk to the Boylston Street finish line, just when many will be crossing.

The elite runners - the very best of the best contending for first place - had extra bibs in case they need to shed wet layers along the 26.2-mile course.

Men's race (elite)

1. Yuki Kawauchi, Japan, 2:15:58
2. Geoffrey Kirui, Kenya, 2:18:23
3. Shadrack Biwott, United States, 2:18:35
4. Tyler Pennel, United States, 2:18:57
5. Andrew Bumbalough, United States, 2:19:52
6. Scott Smith, United States, 2:21:47

Women's race (elite)

1. Desiree Linden, United States, 2:39:54
2. Sarah Sellers, United States, 2:44:04
3. Rachel Hyland, United States, 2:44:29
4. Jessica Chichester, United States, 2:46:52
5. Nicole Dimercurio, United States, 2:45:52
6. Shalene Flanagan, United States, 2:46:31

By Mike Carraggi, Patch National Staff; material from The Associated Press were used in this report

Image via Shutterstock