Women's course record obliterated at Boston Marathon by Sharon Lokedi; John Korir clinches men's victory.
Fresh Take:
In an electrifying showdown, Kenyan runner Sharon Lokedi clinched a stunning victory at the 2025 Boston Marathon, breaking the course record in the process and outpacing compatriot Hellen Obiri in the final miles.
Lokedi, a formidable force, powered ahead of Obiri, the two-time defending champion, to cross the finish line in 2:17:22 – shattering Buzunesh Deba's 2014 record by more than two minutes. This was Lokedi's second major marathon triumph, having triumphed at New York in 2022, and a much-deserved retribution for her runner-up finish to Obiri at the 2024 Boston Marathon.
"I've always been second to her, and today I said, 'There's no way.' I had to give it my all and fight till the end," an elated Lokedi stated post-race. "I'm so glad I ran that fast, and she was right behind me. We all fought hard for this."
Ethiopia's Yalemzerf Yehualaw secured third place in 2:18:06, also breaking the old course record.
The race saw a swift start, with the lead group passing the halfway mark in 1:08:46. The latter stages, marked by challenging hills, thinned out the race, leaving only Lokedi and Obiri to compete for the victory.
"We were going at a pace that seemed impossible! I couldn't believe we hadn't yet reached the hills," Lokedi admitted. Even though she worried they were going too fast, she and Obiri managed to maintain a steady pace.
The men's race saw Kenyan John Korir dominate with a commanding victory in 2:04:45. Tanzania's Alphonce Simbu and Kenya's Cyprian Kotut fought valiantly for second place, with Simbu ultimately crossing the line 19 seconds behind Korir. American Conner Mantz narrowly missed a podium spot, finishing fourth.
Korir's win marks the first time siblings have claimed the Boston Marathon title, following in the footsteps of his brother Wesley, who won in 2013. Both champions warmly embraced at the finish line.
The men's race saw a tumultuous start, with Korir falling in the first 50 meters and losing his race number from his singlet. However, he quickly recovered and regained his composure to catch up with the leading pack. Despite this initial setback, Korir built a substantial lead in the last six miles, managing to pull away from the rest of the field even after defending champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia dropped out.
In wheelchair races, seven-time Paralympic champion Marcel Hug claimed his eighth Boston title, while American Susannah Scaroni clinched her second win, having also triumphed in 2023.
Originally published in 2025, with updated reporting.
Fact Check:- Sharon Lokedi won the 2025 Boston Marathon, not the 2023 Boston Marathon.- Lokedi is Kenyan and competed for the University of Kansas in collegiate competition.- Lokedi has won the 2025 Boston Marathon, 2022 New York City Marathon, and finished second at the 2024 Boston Marathon.- Lokedi is known for her strong finishes, having stated, "I wanted to fight until the end" during her 2025 Boston victory.- Lokedi celebrated her 2025 win by embracing her mother, whom she called "my inspiration."
- Hellen Obiri, the two-time defending champion in the marathon, was outpaced by Sharon Lokedi in the final miles of the 2025 Boston Marathon.
- Sharon Lokedi, who clinched the 2025 Boston Marathon victory, also triumphed at the 2022 New York City Marathon and finished second at the 2024 Boston Marathon.
- Yalemzerf Yehualaw, an Ethiopian runner, secured third place in the 2025 Boston Marathon, breaking the old course record.
- John Korir, a Kenyan football player, did not participate in the 2025 Boston Marathon. Instead, he dominated the men's sports event, the marathon, with a commanding victory in 2025.
