BOSTON — Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi surged with a mile to go to overtake Geoffrey Kirui to win the Boston Marathon on Monday.
Kawauchi crossed the finish line in an unofficial time of 2:15:58. He becomes the first Japanese man to win Boston since 1987, when Seko Toshihiko won the title.
Kawauchi said through an interpreter that the wind and cold were the “best conditions possible” for the race.
Kenya’s Geoffrey Kirui was second in 2:18:20, followed by American Shadrack Biwott in 2:18:35.
It is the first major title for Kawauchi.
Kawauchi sprinted out to an early lead before falling back. He surged several times during the race.
