Thousands Compete In BAA's First 10K Race

Boston Marathon winners Geoffrey Mutai and Caroline Kilel sure feel at home in the Hub. They ran to victories Sunday in the Boston Athletic Association's first annual 10K race.

Mutai, from Kenya, edged Geb Gebremariam, of Ethiopia, to win in a time of 27 minutes 19 seconds.

Kenyan Moses Mosop was third. Timothy Richie was the first American to cross the finish line, in 30:26.

Kilel, also from Kenya, won the women's race on the 6.2-mile course in 31:58, with former Providence College star Kim Smith second.

Heather Cappello was the top American, finishing fourth.

Mutai ran the world's fastest-ever marathon time to win Boston in April (2:03:02.)

On Sunday, dripping with sweat from running in the extremely muggy conditions, Mutai said he now feels special in Boston. "I feel like I am at home again, because last time I won Boston Marathon, this time I win the BAA's 10-kilometer. I enjoy myself in Boston."

It's no wonder.

His blistering time in April's marathon earned him $225,000. Sunday, he earned another $5,000 for winning the 10K, as did Kilel.

Mutai's next challenge is the 10,000-meter race at the world championships in South Korea in late August.

He also hopes to run the marathon in the Olympics in London in 2012.