Kenya's Caroline Rotich Wins Thrilling Women's Boston Marathon

BOSTON (CBS) - Kenya's Caroline Rotich won the women's division of the 2015 Boston Marathon Monday in a thrilling finish.

She and Ethiopia's Mare Dibaba were shoulder-to-shoulder coming down Bolyston Street in the final stretch before Rotich won in 2:24:55, four seconds ahead of Dibaba.

"We went to like the last sprint and I knew that this was going to be the toughest sprint so I waited and waited so sprinting that I was like I have to go for it or give it everything I have," Rotich told WBZ-TV.

She said the chilly, rainy weather wasn't that bad.

"I love running in the cold."

When she was given the winner's trophy, Rotich said, "That was like the greatest thing I've ever felt. I feel so happy and grateful to do it here in Boston."

Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia was third in 2:25:09

Desiree Linden of Rochester Hills, Michigan, was the top American, finishing fourth, in 2:25:39, after leading for most of the first 22 miles.

"Today was a tough day. It was going to be a war of attrition and I knew that from the gun. I figured if we're going to hurt we might as well run fast," Linden told WBZ.

"I think it was the best race for me. I got everything out of myself so I'm very pleased."

Marblehead native Shalane Flanagan was ninth in 2:27:47.

"I'm always grateful to be on the starting line and grateful to see the finish line just like every other 30,000 runners out there. I'm just like them. The conditions are tough today, but it's just so great to be here," Flanagan told WBZ.

"I just feel like there is so much support and I want to do well for everyone else and it's the greatest motivator."

Watch: The Women's Finish

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Kim Tunnicliffe reports