Boston Marathon 2012: Kenya Continues to Assert Its Dominance

Wesley Korir and Sharon Cherop proved on Monday that Kenyans have become virtually unstoppable in the Boston Marathon throughout the years.

Korir became the 19th Kenyan men's winner in the last 22 years on Monday, while Cherop became the third Kenyan women's winner in the last five years.

It almost seems unfair these days. Geoffrey Mutai, who came into the marathon as the front-runner, dropped out after 18 miles due to cramps and a Kenyan still won the race. Even when runners were slowed due to the sweltering heat in Boston, Korir and Cherop emerged from the pack to raise their country's flag once again.

Kenya's success over the years isn't difficult to peg down. The work ethic and dedication these runners have is overwhelming and it doesn't hurt to consistently train in the hills of Kenya, either.

It also doesn't hurt that Kenyans treat the Boston Marathon as if it's the Olympics.

Korir said after the race, via ESPN:

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"To me, I think running the Boston Marathon is an Olympic event. I don't care what comes up after this, but I'm really, really happy to win Boston."

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The domination of Kenya has almost become ho-hum by now. Another Boston Marathon, another Kenyan champion. Whenever a Kenyan does lose the marathon, you wonder if some mysterious force was present. You also wonder if the world is coming to an end (in that sense, no, 2012 will not be the end of the world).

The Boston Marathon has become the Kenya Marathon and it may as well be named that until some other countries begin challenging, particularly on the men's side.