BOSTON -- The men's and women's winners of this year's
Boston Marathon will each receive $100,000, an increase of $20,000.
Marathon winners also will be eligible for bonuses if they set
American or world records during the April 18 race.
John Hancock, the chief sponsor, said the total purse this year
will be $575,000. Winners of the wheelchair division will each get
$15,000, up from $10,000.
"By increasing the prize money, we are helping to ensure that
this quality race will continue to feature a diverse and
world-renowned field of athletes from across the Globe," said
James Benson, president and chief executive officer of John Hancock
Life Insurance Co.
Defending champions Catherine Ndereba and Timothy Cherigat of
Kenya will return for the 2005 race, in which Ndereba will be going
for a record fourth title. U.S. Olympian Alan Culpepper also will
compete.