Which athlete won the 2018 Boston Marathon women’s race in the cold rain?

Desiree Linden won the 2018 Boston Marathon women’s race in cold, rainy conditions.

Linden finished in 2:39:54, becoming the first American woman to win Boston since Lisa Larsen Rainsberger in 1985. The weather included strong wind, heavy rain, and low temperatures, making the race one of the most difficult modern Boston editions.

Linden stayed patient while several leading runners struggled. She moved into contention during the second half and pulled away late, earning her first major marathon victory.

Shalane Flanagan, the 2017 winner, did not defend her title because of injury. Linden’s result was especially celebrated in the United States because it ended a 33-year gap between American women’s victories at Boston.