Boston Marathon 2012 Results: Sharon Cherop's Win Will Highlight Patriots' Day

Sharon Cherop held off a late charge from Kenyan countrywoman Jemima Sumgong to claim the women's race at the 2012 Boston Marathon. Her margin of victory, which was only two seconds, will make it the highlight of another memorable Patriots' Day.

Between a baseball game featuring the hometown Red Sox, who lost to the division rival Tampa Bay Rays, and a playoff hockey game against the Washington Capitals on the road later in the day, Boston sports fans had a full day of action to enjoy.

Nothing will be able to top Cherop's narrow victory, however. After running more than 26 miles, she had to receive a scare when Sumgong began to chase her down the homestretch, but holding her off was a testament of her will to win.

It was a scorching day in Boston, which forced defending men's champion Geoffrey Mutai to leave the storied race after 18 miles. So, simply finishing the race should be viewed as an accomplishment. Winning it was a major statement.

Marathon runners don't receive a lot of attention because the sport isn't visually appealing to a television audience, but having enough endurance to run such a long distance during intense heat takes a lot of physical and mental toughness.

There won't be another athletic feat on Patriots' Day that will outdo that of Cherop and Wesley Korir, another Kenyan star, who won the men's race.

On a day unlike any other in the city of Boston, Cherop stole the show. Even though she didn't break any records, it's still a performance that won't be forgotten any time soon.

That's what Patriots' Day is all about.