The reason was the nor’easter that blanketed the northeast, including Boston, with snow and rain Sunday and Monday. The race began in heavy rain and a strong east wind, meaning participants were running into the wind.

Cooperstown’s Mike Coccoma, 54, finished the 26.2 miles in three hours, 45 minutes and 14 seconds. Overall, he placed 9,280th among the more than 23,000 participants. Coccoma is an Otsego County Supreme Court judge.

``They started us off in two waves, ands the first wave started in horrendous conditions with heavy rains and wind,’’ Coccoma said Tuesday. ``I was in the second wave at 10:30 and there was just a slight drizzle but a 20-30 mile per hour headwind that at times gusted to 50 miles per hour. At times you felt like you were running in place.’’

Monday marked the third time Coccoma has completed the Boston Marathon. He qualified for the Boston Marathon by completing the Philadelphia Marathon in three hours 31 minutes.

``Running the Boston Marathon is always a thrill,’’ Coccoma said. ``Training around here with all the hills prepares you for Heartbreak Hill, and the people and spectators are great. Even with the bad weather, there were many spectators cheering us on for the final four miles.’’

Bill Kosina of Richfield Springs, 47, had a slightly faster time than Coccoma, finishing in three hours, 40 minutes and 13 seconds. He placed 8,024th overall.

Defending champion Robert Cheruiyot reigned supreme again, outkicking countryman James Kwambai to finish in 2:14:13 - about seven minutes slower than his record-setting performance of a year ago - but still good enough to win his third Boston title.

Kwambai finished second in 2:14:33. Kenyan Stephen Kiogora was third in 2:14:47 while countryman James Koskei was fourth in 2:15:05.

Top American Peter Gilmore placed eighth with a time of 2:16:41.

Any other area runners who completed the marathon but are not included in this article can call 547-9493 or email crier@csdsl.net and we will print your results next week.