Boston Marathon runner-up is unknown nurse Sarah Sellers

“Many of those who watched the Boston Marathon,” says The Washington Post, “had the same question Monday: Who in the world is Sarah Sellers?”

An unknown from Arizona, Sellers finished second and, as a result, goes back to her day job as a nurse-anaesthetist with $75,000 (£52,000) in prize money.

Not having a sponsor like professional athletes, Sellers paid the $185 (£130) entrance fee for the race herself, notes the BBC. She only took part because her younger brother Ryan was running.

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She finished the 26.2-mile course in 2:44:04 (Ryan was slower, at 2:48:20) as the second-fastest woman, behind fellow American Desiree Linden. Sellers told the Post: “I mean, I still can’t believe I finished second. I’m going to wake up and this will be a dream.”

Sellers is 26 years old and full time in her day job, which means all her training had to be done at 4am before work, or 7pm after she finishes. She was a “standout runner” as a student, says the Post, but Boston was only the second marathon she has ever run.