(CNN) —Ethiopia had a banner day at the Boston Marathon on Monday, as Lemi Berhanu Hayle and Atsede Baysa won the men's and women's titles

It's the first time the country has swept the men's and women's titles in this historic event, the world's oldest annual marathon.

Hayle won the elite men's division in an unofficial time of 2:12:45, completing a podium sweep by three men's runners from Ethiopia. He pulled away late from the 2015 champion, Lelisa Desisa, with a little more than a mile to go. Desisa finished second in a time of 2:13:32. Yemane Adhane Tsegay finished third in 2:14:02.

"Very difficult," Hayle said through a translator to CNN affiliate WBZ after he won the race.

With a late charge on the women's side, Atsede Baysa of Ethiopia came from behind to win her division in 2:29:19. Baysa, who was 37 seconds behind the leaders at mile 21, seemingly came out of nowhere to take the lead. At mile 24, she was by herself with the race in hand.

Through a translator, Baysa told WBZ that she is "very happy" and "very lucky."

"To win Boston is not easy," she said.

Tirfi Tsegaye of Ethiopia was second in 2:30:03, while Kenyan Joyce Chepkirui was third (2:30:50)