Every year, on the third Monday of April, thousands of people arrive in Boston after months, years, or decades of training. In a true test of human will, these runners embark on the 26.2 mile trek of the Boston Marathon.

In 2018, the Marathon took place on Monday, April 16, amid near freezing temperatures, strong winds, and torrential downpours.

In the end, Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi won the mens race in a time of 2:15:58, and American Desiree Linden won the women’s division in a time of 2:39:54. Linden’s win marked the first time an American woman had won in 33 years, and was a major upset, considering several past winners participated in the race this year.

Another American, Sarah Sellers, came in second in the women’s division, in a time of 2:44:04. Sellers is not a professional runner, but rather a full-time nurse in Arizona.

“It was really cold and windy and rainy outside,” said Boston College freshman and spectator Tyler Baum. “I don’t know how those runners made it 26.2 in that weather.”

The weather is thought to have played a major role in the outcome of the marathon. Several favorites, including top American runner Galen Rupp, were forced to drop out of the race.

Medical staff reported over 2,500 runners sought some form of medical treatment, and 81 had to be transported to local hospitals for further care. Twenty-five elite athletes were treated, most of whom suffered from some degree of hypothermia

This year’s race was also significant because it marked five years since the Boston Marathon Bombing, in which three people died and around 250 were injured. In days prior to the marathon, several memorial events took place to honor the victims.

Overall, this year’s field of over 29,000 clawed their way through what officials called the worst marathon weather in 30 years, marking an incredible achievement for all who participated.