Synopsis of the Race:

The 108th running of the Boston marathon added a new tradition to a race that is the synonym of the word tradition. 20,300 runners, the second largest field in Boston history were met with no wind and a starting temperature of 85 degrees.

In the women's race, which was 29 minutes before the open and elite men's marathon start, Elfemnish Alemu of Ethiopia took the lead at 5k, in a time of 18.01. Alemu and Catherine Ndereba of Kenya, the 2000 and 2001 Boston champion ran neck and neck through 55 minutes at 10 miles, 20 miles in 1.50.10 and they were together at 40k, in 2.16.36. At two hours, eighteen minutes, Catherine Ndereba made a definitive move and put some sixteen seconds between her and Alemu before the finish. Ndereba's third win was the hardest, as she was in definite pain at the end of this race. The duel between Ndereba and Alemu made the women's start a huge success.

On the men's side, the pack hit 5k in 15.29, with former champions Rodgers Rop and Robert Kiprotich Cheriyiut leading. After ten miles in 49.44 the pack dwindled from 15 to seven. Rodgers Rop, Timothoy Cherigat and Robert Cheriyuit ran hard from ten miles to twenty miles, hit in 1.39.10. The hills of Newton, from 16-21, were the deciding factors in addition to the horrible heat.

Timothy Cherigat, whose training partner, Evans Rutto, won London just yesterday, showed that the third time is the charm. Cheriyuit broke Cheborer, Rodgers Rop and Robert Cheriyiut. Cheriyuit and Rop dropped out at 25 miles. Cherigat kept his form and pushed miles 22-24 and by 24 the race was his. He did not falter.

Timothy Cherigat won the marathon in 2.10.37, which was amazing considering the terrible heat. A note for running geeks--both Cherigat and Rutto are coached by Dieter Hogan, the former coach of Uta Pippig.

First Americans were Christopher Zieman from Felton, CA, 13th overall in 2.25.45, and Julie Spencer from Baraboo, WI, 16th overall in 2.56.39. This was Zieman's has 15th marathon and he has a personal best of 2.24.

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Marketing Update:

Boston is a barometer of the sports' health. The expo moved again this year, and the site was good, crowded and the large booths were pretty happy. This is what ATF heard:

a. Huge traffic, but first day sales were down overall. Most footwear companies believed that was due to the huge discounting going on in the expo.

b. Space between rows was tight and crowded, small booths could not be accessed.

c. Most runners came by one time, due to distance from downtown. Not many kids there as runners went in, got their stuff and left.

d. No carpet on walk-ways--concrete hard on feet.

Good innovations:

adidas changed the colors of the official clothes to red, white and blue--the product looked wonderful, was well- priced and well-received. They had some innovative display areas, including a back-drop of the "Impossible is Nothing" team that people could take photos in front of. The display was created by the Media Design team out of Vancouver, one of the most creative marketing agencies. Plus, adidas had nice soft flooring, which had runners flocking to it, and adidas' partner in sales, Olympia Sports, did a great job servicing people.

Reebok--new booth, nice shoe display and some good product.

PUMA--gave fifty percent discount on PUMA if you gave them old shoes.

Nike--gave out small computer card, which if redeemed at Niketown, could win $500 sale.

New Balance--great lines with Dick Beardsley, new NB spokesperson.

adidas Kids races--best crowd in years, and people enjoyed young kids running.

Saucony made runners in the crowd heroes for thinking about more than themselves.

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One of the best indications of the health of Boston is the sale of adidas brand product and footwear, as adidas has been the official sponsor for more than ten years. And this year, Boston Special Product sales were up double digits.

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Citgo, long time sponsor, is no longer involved with race. Their sign at 25 miles is part of the race tradition. Too bad that they did not sign up again for such a venerable race. Average sponsor at Boston has been there over 11 years. Pretty impressive.

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In closing, the women's start was a great success and the men's race is always a new story. See you on the track circuit later this spring.

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For more definitive coverage, of the marathon and happenings over the weekend, please check www.american- trackandfield.com.

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Thanks again for reading our coverage and remember, if you need something on the world of athletics or running, please check out www.runningnetwork.com.

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