San Diego Runner ‘Thrilled' to Win Boston Marathon

San Diego runner Desiree Linden fights rain and wind to become first American woman to win Boston Marathon since 1985.

The two-time Olympic marathoner wore a bib with "DES" on the front and finished in first place with an unofficial time of 2:39:54.

That was more than four minutes better than second-place finisher Sarah Sellers -- one of seven Americans in the top 10 -- but the slowest time for a women's winner in Boston since 1978. 

“It’s everything packaged into one," Linden said in a live television interview.

She wore the winner's crown and was wrapped up in a large towel.

"I’m thrilled. I’m exhausted. Left it all out there," she said adding, "And I’m ready to warm up." 

Longtime San Diegans will recognize Desiree Linden by her maiden name Desiree Davila. She's had a decorated professional career since her days at Hilltop High School. 

In 2011, she missed the Boston Marathon win by just two seconds. 

Linden was running alongside Shalane Flanagan when Flanagan decided to stop at a bathroom along the course. Linden chose to stop and wait for her fellow runner out of a sign of unity and respect, Boston.com reports. 

The cold, rainy conditions were not a problem, she said. 

"It hurts right now but it's a perfect day for me," Linden said after the race. "I can tough it out through anything." 

She ended the interview with a smile, saying "I just want to get coffee and a breakfast.”

On the men's side, Yuki Kawauchi surged late to win, making him the first Japanese man to win since 1987.

Defending Champion Geoffrey Kirui slowed and stumbled across the Copley Square finish line 2:25 later, followed by Shadrack Biwott and three other U.S. men.

"For me, it's the best conditions possible," Kawauchi said with a wide smile through an interpreter.

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