It was the second victory in a week, Biwott also won last week’s Beach to Beacon 10K.

Biwott, 26, edged defending champion Lucas Rotich in the last meter to cross the line in 31 minutes and 59 seconds, setting a 4:34.33 pace in thick humidity.  (In the women's division, Kenyan runner Margaret Wangari won with 36:54).  

Morning rainstorms were so heavy, first-year race director Dave McGillivray had to scramble to get huge puddles cleared from the road, delaying the start by 10 minutes. The rain had stopped by race time but many runners misjudged the severity of the humidity that quickly settled into the air. The medical tent was packed with overheated runners an hour after the winners crossed the line, and at least three were transported to the hospital.

“I think it was deceiving with the weather,’’ said Dr. Robert Davis, who was working in the medical tent.

Even Frank Shorter, a former champion here and an Olympic gold medalist in 1972, said the humidity was extraordinarily difficult.

“I couldn’t tell you how many Falmouths I’ve run,’’ Shorter said, “but I can tell you this one was the hardest.’’

Photo by Catherine Cross