While standouts from Ethiopia and Kenya have dominated the podium in recent years, elite American runners have made Boston Marathons plenty exciting for spectators on the route and on television.
CJ Albertson proved to be much more than an early rabbit when he opened a wide lead on the chase pack in last October’s race. The pack eventually caught him after 20 miles, but he rebounded late to finish 10th.
An American male hasn’t won Boston since 2014, when Meb Keflezighi prevailed in the event’s triumphant Boston Strong return after the tragic bombing at the finish line the year before.