2024 Boston Marathon: Elite Women’s Field Analysis and Key Contenders

The 2024 Boston Marathon elite women’s field features a deep and competitive lineup, with several top American athletes aiming for podium finishes. This comprehensive analysis examines the current contenders, their recent performances and what to expect from the race on April 15, 2024.

Top American Contenders in the Elite Women’s Field

The U.S. Women’s elite field for the 2024 Boston Marathon is exceptionally deep, featuring multiple athletes with sub-2:20 marathon capabilities and recent international success. Based on the official Boston Athletic Association (BAA) elite athlete list released in March 2024, the leading American contenders include:

• Jessica Tonn (formerly Jess Tonn): The top American finisher at the 2023 Boston Marathon (10th place 2:25:46), Tonn returns in 2024 seeking to improve upon her previous performance and challenge for a top-10 finish. She ran a personal best 2:22:18 at the 2023 Chicago Marathon and won the 2023 USA Marathon Championships.
• Emma Bates: A 2020 Olympic marathoner who placed 6th at the 2023 Boston Marathon (2:22:38) and ran a personal best 2:19:47 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon. Bates is consistently one of the top American marathoners and is aiming for a podium finish in 2024.

• Sara Hall: A veteran marathoner with a personal best of 2:20:32 (set at the 2022 Chicago Marathon), Hall placed 8th at the 2023 Boston Marathon (2:24:12) and is known for her strong finishing kick. She aims to leverage her experience in the challenging Boston course.
• Molly Seidel: The 2020 Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon, Seidel returned to racing in 2023 after injury and ran 2:24:58 at the Novel York City Marathon. While not officially listed in the BAA’s initial elite field for 2024, she remains a potential dark horse if she decides to compete.

International Elite Competition

The 2024 Boston Marathon women’s elite field is further strengthened by world-class international athletes, creating a highly competitive environment for all contenders. Key international athletes include:

• Tigst Assefa: The current world record holder in the women’s marathon (2:11:53, set at Berlin 2023), Assefa is the overwhelming favorite to win the 2024 Boston Marathon. Her world-record pace would shatter the Boston course record (2:19:59, set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014).
• Worknesh Degefa: The 2023 Boston Marathon winner (2:23:31), Degefa returns to defend her title and is one of the few athletes who has successfully navigated the challenging Boston course in recent years.
• Lonah Chemtai Salpeter: Israeli Olympian who placed 3rd at the 2023 Boston Marathon (2:24:05) and ran a personal best 2:17:45 at the 2023 Valencia Marathon. Salpeter is known for her consistency and ability to perform well on varied courses.
• Peres Jepchirchir: Olympic gold medalist in the marathon (Tokyo 2020) and winner of the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon (2:21:01), Jepchirchir brings Olympic and major marathon winning experience to the Boston start line.

Course Characteristics and Strategic Considerations

The Boston Marathon course presents unique challenges that significantly impact race strategy and performance expectations. Unlike flat, fast courses like Berlin or London, Boston’s point-to-point route features significant elevation changes that require specific preparation:

• Elevation Profile: The course starts in Hopkinton at approximately 450 feet above sea level and descends sharply in the first