The Boston Marathon takes a small step back to being normal

BOSTON — Lelisa Desisa won his first Boston Marathon in 2013. He didn’t have much time to celebrate.

A few hours after Desisa broke the tape on Boylston Street on Patriots’ Day, two bombs near the finish line turned what should be the pinnacle of any distance runner’s career into an afterthought.

Desisa earned his second Boston Marathon title Monday, finishing in 2 hours, 9 minutes, 17 seconds to claim a golden olive wreath, the $150,000 first prize and a winner’s medal to replace the one he donated to the city two years ago in memory of the victims.

“This medal, I think, is for me,” Desisa said.

Kenya’s Carolina Rotich won the women’s race, beating Mare Dibaba in a shoulder-to-shoulder sprint down Boylston Street to win by four seconds as the world’s most prestigious marathon took a tentative step back toward normal.

All along the 26.2-mile course, spectators banged cowbells and blew air horns. Near the finish line, crowds roared each time an athlete approached, shouting words of encouragement. Security was visible but not intrusive, and those who attended last year’s race said Monday’s atmosphere felt less intense and emotionally charged.

But throughout were reminders of the 2013 attacks, which killed three spectators and wounded more than 260. “Boston Strong” — the phrase that became the city’s defiant rally cry after the attack — was everywhere.

Boston Athletic Association spokesman Jack Fleming interrupted the winner’s news conference to place the trophy on the table next to Desisa and 2014 winner Meb Keflezighi and thank them both for helping the race heal.

“In 2013, Lelisa had won and we were sitting in these same chairs. And then soon after, and unfortunately, Lelisa did not get to have the kind of victory celebration that a champion of the Boston Marathon should have,” Fleming said. “Lelisa, we want you to get your due today.”

Desisa was in the leading pack for the entire race, pulling away to beat countryman Yemane Adhane Tsegay by 31 seconds in the first 1-2 finish for Ethiopia in the race’s history. Kenya’s Wilson Chebet was third, 34 seconds back.