Van Dyk pipped to Boston title

Cape Town - South Africa’s Ernst van Dyk has narrowly missed out on winning his 11th title in the men’s wheelchair division at the 120th Boston Marathon on Monday.

Defending champion, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug, managed to retain his title when he crossed the line in 1:24:06, marginally ahead of second-placed Van Dyk in a thrilling sprint finish.

Australia’s Kurt Fearnley grabbed the final spot on the podium as all three were credited with the same finishing time.

Speaking shortly afterwards, Van Dyk said, “To finish second is great. This is really the start of the racing season and it’s a great way to begin. That said, I was hoping not to meet this type of competition so early, but it just proves that every race is tough.”

American Tatyana McFadden won the women's wheelchair division for the fourth straight time in 1:42:16.

If you ever wondered what a photo finish looked like after 42.195km this is it. @bostonmarathon @WMMajors pic.twitter.com/nckBzzgG9Z

— Ernst van Dyk (@ErnstvanDyk) April 18, 2016

Crazy finish in the @bostonmarathon Men's Wheelchair Race. 42.2km & this is how its decided! Congrats @MarcelEricHug pic.twitter.com/XJQ0rQK18B

— Dave Robbo (@mrdaverobbo) April 18, 2016