Field of 26,000, including US contenders, heads for finish in 114th Boston Marathon

26,000 runners heading for Boston in Marathon

BOSTON — The Boston Marathon has started. And this year, there are Americans among the contenders.

New York City Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi (kef-LEZ-ghee) and fellow Californian Ryan Hall are hoping to give the United States its first men’s win since 1983. First prize is up to $150,000.

There are more than 26,000 runners registered for the 114th edition of the race. Among them are defending champions Deriba Merga (Deh-REE-bah MARE-gah) of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei (Sa-LEE-na KOS-gay) of Kenya are back, hoping to repeat.

The wheelchair racers led the way across the start with temperatures in the high 40s and a headwind of 13 mph.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Marathon has started.

A field of 30 men’s and women’s wheelchair racers left Hopkinton on Monday morning for the 26.2 mile trip to Boston’s Back Bay. South African Ernst Van Dyk is looking for his ninth win in the men’s wheelchair race — a record for any competitor in any division.

More than 26,000 runners were lining up for a 10 a.m. start. New York City Marathon winner Meb Keflezighi and fellow American Ryan Hall are hoping to give the United States its first men’s win since 1983.

Defending champions Deriba Merga of Ethiopia and Salina Kosgei of Kenya are back, hoping to repeat.