Rita Jeptoo Sets Women's Course Record In Boston Marathon Win

BOSTON (CBS) - Defending champion Rita Jeptoo of Kenya won the 2014 Boston Marathon Monday with an official time of 2:18:57, a new course record.

Jeptoo broke away from the lead pack of elite women around mile 23 and never looked back.

Rita Jeptoo of Kenya wins the 118th Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

It's her third Boston Marathon title. She will get $150,000 for the win and additional $25,000 for setting the course record.

Check: Top Finishers

Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia was second in 2:19:59.

The top four women all broke 2 hours and 20 minutes. Until Monday, no woman had ever run Boston under 2:20.

Marblehead native Shalane Flanagan led for the first 17 miles of the race, but dropped to the back of the leader pack in the Newton hills.

She was the top American finisher, ending up in seventh place with a time of 2:22:02, which is a personal best for her.

MORE LOCAL NEWS FROM CBS BOSTON