Many African nations, are more well known for their long distance running prowess, and it was once again on display at the annual Boston Marathon -- where athletes from Ethiopia almost completed a clean sweep of the podium --taking five of the six spots on the victory stand.

The Boston Marathon is the world's oldest -- getting its start in 1897 -- and is held every year on Patriots day in the city, which falls on the third Monday in April each year.

In the women's race -- Ethiopia's Atsede Baysa was able to hold off the competition, crossing in a 2:29:19, overcoming a 37-second deficit in the last five miles of the race.

She held off countrywoman Tirfi Tsegaye -- to grab the title -- finishing 5-seconds ahead of her compatriot.

And that is what she wins.

On the men's Lelisa Desisa, in the yellow and blue, was unable to repeat -- but he is a popular in Boston, famously donating his 2013 winner's medal back to the city as a gesture of solidarity with victims of the deadly bombing that rocked that year's race.

He would finish second to Lemi Berhanu Hayle -- who clocked in at 2hr 12min 44sec.

The 21-year-old Berhanu Hayle, finished 15th in the World Championships marathon in Beijing last year, but previously won marathons in Dubai, Zurich and Warsaw -- this is biggest win of his career.

Ethiopians take men's and women's title in Boston Marathon