Emma Bates Cracks Beer at Boston Finish Line

Last Updated on June 9, 2025 by Amanda Brooks

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The finish line of the Boston Marathon 2024 was filled with incredible moments, but one that caught our eye was Emma Bates. Her joy throughout the race was visible as she gave high fives to the crowds through Wellseley and ran strong at the front of the pack.

But of course we all know that finish line moment can be emotional…or a celebration.

Bates was the first American women finisher in 2:27:14 for 12th place.

Thanks to Meghann for capturing the moment when journalist Ashley Mateo handed Bates a Modelo to celebrate the finish of a long hot run!

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s2WHMUpnIO8?feature=share

The moment was not planned and not sponsored…too bad, you can’t pay for publicity that natural!

This moment resonated with so many because it was real! After watching them glide along at 5 min miles, it’s hard to fathom how they feel or what’s going through their minds.

But anyone who has crossed the finish line of a race where they worked HARD knows it’s nice to connect with people you know and just have a moment of levity to come down from the emotions that go with 26.2 miles.

Finishing not far behind were the next two American women that we all have grown to love for their equal passion of this sport. No beer cracking, but Des is well known for her bourbon and we assume found some to celebrate later.

15. Sarah Hall 2:27:58
16. Des Linden 2:28:27

Who is Emma Bates?

Maybe you’re new to the marathon scene and wondering why we’re all so enamored with her (besides the beer). Here’s a little back story….

In 2023 Bates finished 5th in the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:22:10, which alone is impressive as the second fastest American women’s finish ever.

But she caught our attention again in Chicago last year when she ripped a muscle in her foot and STILL finished 13th! That moment however resulted in her needing to withdraw from the Olympic Marathon Trials in February.

This made us all the more excited to see her come out in Boston to hopefully have an incredible day. Which she did leading the race off and on for most of the miles through about 30K. 12th was not the finish she had in mind, but it was a great performance with a healthy body and a new appreciation for the sport.

While she didn’t down the entire beer, the few sips were enough to let everyone know she was ok with how the day went and on to time with her fellow finishers.