BOSTON (AP) — Kenya’s Hellen Obiri broke away from a large pack late to become the first woman to repeat as Boston Marathon champion since 2005, crossing the finish line in 2 hour, 22 minutes and 37 seconds on Monday.

The 34-year-old Obiri split from more than a dozen runners in the second half of the race, then outfought a challenge from Kenyan Sharon Lodeki over the final three miles for the victory. It led a Kenyan sweep of the podium, with Lodeki crossing second in 2:22:45. Two-time champion and 44-year-old Edna Kiplagat was third in 2:23:21.

Kenya’s Catherine Ndereba was the last repeat Boston champion in ’05, part of her run of four titles in five years. Obiri won both her Boston debut last April and last year's New York Marathon. A two-time Olympic medalist, she is a provisional member of Kenya’s Olympic team.

Emma Bates, who led in the second half of the race, was the top American finisher in 12th (2:27:14). Sara Hall came in 15th (2:27:58), followed by 2018 Boston winner Des Linden in 16th (2:28:27).

Bates surged into the lead between the 18th and 19th mile, ahead of a chase pack of more than a dozen runners. That group included Linden, who also led briefly and appeared to say something to Bates before falling off the pace.

Spectators chanted, “Emma! Emma! Emma!” as Bates attempted to add to her advantage just past 20 miles. But a group led by Mary Nugui (Kenya), Vibian Chepkirui (Kenya) and Obiri (Kenya) closed the gap to about three seconds.

It evaporated in the next mile, as Kiplagat and Sharon Lokedi ran to the front of a group while Bates quickly fell back and out of contention.

Obiri pushed to the front in Mile 23, followed closely by Lokedi and Kiplagat. Obiri stayed in front in Mile 24, as Lokedi stayed on her shoulder and Kiplagat fell back by 20 seconds.

Obiri began her kick soon after, pulling away over the final mile.

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