Edna Kiplagat of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the women’s division of the 121st Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, US, April 17, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

The Kenyan maintained her comfortable lead despite briefly stopping in the final miles when she realized she had grabbed a rival's water bottle from an aid station and went back to return it.

"I had to put back something which was not mine," Kiplagat told reporters. "I was afraid, because you know, if you miss water it can affect you."

American Jordan Hasay set a record for an American women's debut marathon, coming in third in 2:23:00. Japan's Suguru Osako finished third among the men.