Kiplagat, 41, relies on strong second half to secure first win in Massachusetts, with Flanagan following 2018 triumph to become 11th male athlete in event history with multiple titles; Seidel starts last, takes 133rd of 5,991 finishers

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

Edna Kiplagat is one of the most accomplished marathon runners in history, with the Nike athlete winning two World Championships along with three Abbott World Marathon Majors with victories in Boston, London and New York City.

But this summer, the 41-year-old Kenyan star who lives in Colorado has continued her success on the roads with a pair of 7-mile victories, the latest coming Sunday at the 49th edition of the ASICS Falmouth Road Race from Woods Hole to Falmouth Heights Ball Park.

Following multiple third-place finishes in her career in Massachusetts, Kiplagat finally earned her first Falmouth victory, running away from the field in the second half of the race to prevail in 36 minutes, 52 seconds.

Ben Flanagan, who became the first Canadian athlete in event history to win in 2018, emerged from a pack of six athletes in the final mile to secure victory in 32:16.

RESULTS

Flanagan, a Reebok athlete, became the 11th male competitor to win multiple Falmouth titles, the first since Kenyan legend Stephen Sambu won four in a row from 2014-17.

It was the fifth straight victory Sunday for Kenyan women, including former Kansas standout Sharon Lokedi in 2019, which followed three consecutive victories for Caroline Chepkoech (2016-18).

Following Kiplagat, who also won July 24 at the Quad-City Times Bix 7 in Iowa, was a trio of Americans, with adidas athlete Emily Durgin surging late to secure runner-up in 37:19, followed by first-year PUMA professional Fiona O’Keeffe (37:20) and ASICS competitor Makena Morley (37:22).

Diane Nukuri, 36, finished fifth in 37:35, with Saucony athlete Aisling Cuffe sixth in 37:40 and PUMA competitor Taylor Werner seventh in 37:53.

Iveen Chepkemoi of Kenya, co-leader with Kiplagat through the 5-kilometer split, earned eighth in 38:09.

After the men’s group passed the 10-kilometer mark in 28:50, the final 1,200 meters showcased an exciting downhill sprint, with Flanagan holding off Under Armour athlete Biya Simbassa (32:19), U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program member Emmanuel Bor (32:21), Roots Running Project competitor Frank Lara (32:22) and Reebok Boston Track Club representative Colin Bennie (32:25).

Olympic marathon bronze medalist Molly Seidel was the official starter for the event and began the race last, ultimately finishing 133rd out of 5,991 competitors in 42:53.

Seidel, 27, raised $1 for every competitor she passed as race organizers will donate the money to Tommy’s Place, a Falmouth-based vacation home for children fighting cancer named after race founder Tommy Leonard.