Boston Marathon candidate Lonah Salpeter is ready to win it

As Boston Marathon runners, race officials and friends swirled around the Boston Marathon Fan Fest Saturday afternoon, Lonah Chemtai Salpeter stood quietly soaking everything.

Among the leading elite women in what is a stacked field, the Israeli-Kenyan pro has said, "I've always wanted to come to Boston to experience it because it's the oldest marathon in the world."

Monday's 127th race will mark two anniversaries: the 50th since the first women's competition and the 10th since two terrorists the brothers detonated two bombs near the finish, killing three people and injuring dozens more. "For me, it's something special, because it's my first time. It's been my dream. I watched the race every time. I said, 'One day I'll be there.' And today I am here,” Salpeter said.

Last fall, the Nike-sponsored Salpeter finished second in the New York City Marathon with just seven seconds ahead of Kenya's Sharon Lokedi, who will also compete on Monday. As for his goal in Boston, Salpeter said, "I hope to win, yeah."

This will be his first attempt in Boston, just as last year was his first appearance in New York City marathon. Training over 102 miles a week, the Kenyan-born Salpeter lives in Israel but trains in Kenya. As for why Kenya has so many outstanding runners, she attributes it to the altitude and the atmosphere. “When you see so many people running, you also want to be like them. So you keep trying and then you do your best."

Reluctant to predict a finish time at Boston, an Adidas-sponsored event, Salpeter said she had heard the course was rough and hilly. She also noted that the women's race had many contenders - with 16 participants running 2:21 or better. Reigning world champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia and her compatriot Amane Beriso are entered. Ditto for three former champions of the Boston Marathon: the American Des Linden, the Kenyan double champion Edna Kiplagat and the Ethiopian Atsede Bayisa. Last year's second and third place finishers - Ababel Yeshaneh from Ethiopia and Mary Ngugi from Kenya - will also line up at the starting line.

Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge, two-time Olympic gold medalist and current men's marathon world record holder , will be on the starting line for the first time in Boston. Thirty thousand runners are registered in total.

Dressed in a blue Nike jacket, black tapered track pants and pink Nike sneakers pale, Salpeter portrayed his sponsor from head to toe. Asked about the idea that athletes should be brands in themselves, she said having a sponsor is a relief, allowing her to focus on training. She added that many athletes have to work to afford to compete.

Despite the fact that nearly 26% of the Kenyan population lives on $2.15 a day, Salpeter said, “People in Kenya are less stressed and happier. Whichever way you choose to live, that's how your life is. »

As athletically dressed people of all ages rushed in asking their opinion on American style , Salpeter just smiled. "It's nice. It's good. It's not for me to judge."

In addition to Adidas, other brands like New Balance, Brooks, Under Armour, Tracksmith, Hoka and Nike tapped into the event and others hosted special events and shopping experiences in the area. Just steps from the finish line, Dick's Sporting Goods, first-time partner of the Boston Marathon,...