Ethiopia's Lelisa Desisa wins men's Boston Marathon

ByReuters

Updated 20/04/2015 at 17:44 GMT

Desisa, who famously gave his winner's medal to the city following the 2013 attack, pulled ahead of all rivals to sprint down Boylston Street alone, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 9 minutes and 17 seconds.

Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia reacts after winning the men's division of the 119th Boston Marathon

Image credit: Reuters

"Strong Boston!" Desisa shouted after he crossed the finish line, in a version of the "Boston Strong" motto that became the city's rallying cry after the attack that killed three and injured 264 on April 15th, 2013.

Security was high near the start line in Hopkinton, along the 26.2 mile (42.16 km) course and around the finish line in Boston, in recognition of the bombing of the 2013 race, one of the most visible attacks on U.S. soil since September 11th, 2001.

London Marathon