The 129th Boston Marathon once again showcased Kenya’s unparalleled prowess in long-distance running, as Kenyan athletes claimed commanding victories in both the men’s and women’s elite divisions on Monday.
Under clear skies and ideal racing conditions, John Korir and Sharon Lokedi delivered performances that not only secured their places in marathon history but also underscored Kenya’s enduring dominance on one of the world’s most prestigious courses.
In the men’s race, John Korir surged to victory with an unofficial time of 2 hours, 4 minutes, and 44 seconds—the second-fastest winning time in Boston Marathon history.
The 27-year-old Kenyan, who won the Chicago Marathon in 2024, outpaced a highly competitive field, including compatriot Evans Kotut and Tanzania’s Gabriel Simbu, who rounded out the podium.
Korir’s triumph was deeply personal, as he joined his older brother, Wesley Korir, the 2012 Boston Marathon champion, in the family’s legacy.
After crossing the finish line in Copley Square, John was embraced by Wesley, a moment that captured the hearts of spectators.
“I trained for this moment, and to win in Boston, where my brother won, is a dream,” said John Korir, who earned $150,000 for his victory. “This course is tough, but I knew I had to push through the hills.”
Korir’s win marked the 23rd time a Kenyan man has claimed the Boston Marathon title since 1988, reinforcing the nation’s extraordinary legacy in the race.
Notable past winners include two-time champion Evans Chebet and the legendary Eliud Kipchoge, whose influence continues to inspire the next generation of Kenyan runners.
Sharon Lokedi Breaks Women’s Course Record
On the women’s side, Sharon Lokedi etched her name into the record books by shattering the Boston Marathon women’s course record with a stunning time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 22 seconds.
The previous record of 2:19:59, set by Ethiopia’s Buzunesh Deba in 2014, fell as Lokedi powered through the 26.2-mile course, outpacing two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri in the final mile. Obiri, also Kenyan, finished a close second, ensuring a Kenyan 1-2 finish.
Lokedi, who had been a strong contender alongside veterans like Edna Kiplagat, demonstrated remarkable composure and strength.
“I knew Hellen was right behind me, so I gave it everything,” Lokedi said post-race. “Breaking the course record is an honor, but winning Boston is what I came for.”
Her victory denied Obiri a historic three-peat, a feat last achieved by Kenya’s Fatuma Roba from 1997 to 1999.
Lokedi’s record-breaking run highlighted the depth of talent in Kenyan women’s marathon running. With Obiri in second and other Kenyan stars like Kiplagat in the field, the race underscored why Kenyan women have won 12 of the last 20 Boston Marathons.
Kenya’s success at the 2025 Boston Marathon is part of a broader narrative of excellence in distance running.
The country’s runners have long dominated major marathons worldwide, thanks to a combination of high-altitude training, cultural emphasis on running, and fierce competition within Kenya’s own athletics system.
The Boston Marathon, with its challenging course and storied history, has become a proving ground for Kenyan athletes, who have won the men’s race 15 times since 2000 and the women’s race consistently over the same period.
While the spotlight shone on Korir and Lokedi, Kenyan runners also made their mark across other divisions.
In the men’s elite race, Evans Kotut’s second-place finish further highlighted Kenya’s depth.
The marathon’s global broadcast showcased the infectious energy of Kenyan supporters along the course, whose cheers echoed from Hopkinton to Boston.