Sharon Lokedi Sets Record, John Korir Shines at Boston Marathon

• Apr 21, 2025

Kenyan runners Sharon Lokedi and John Korir delivered stunning performances at the Boston Marathon, winning their respective races in historic times on Monday, April 21, 2025.

Lokedi broke an 11-year-old course record in the women's race by clocking 2:17:22, slashing two minutes and 37 seconds off the previous best. Hot on her heels was fellow Kenyan and two-time champion Hellen Obiri, who finished second in 2:17:41. Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw secured third place with a time of 2:18:06.

From the start, the women’s field looked highly competitive. A tight lead pack of 15 runners quickly formed, featuring Lokedi, Obiri, Yehualaw, Irine Cheptai, and reigning world champion Amane Beriso. By the 10km mark, the group was still together, clocking 32:51. However, by 20km, only five remained, and Cheptai began to fall off the pace shortly after. As the race wore on, Beriso and Yehualaw also slipped back, setting up a close battle between Lokedi and Obiri. Lokedi found the extra gear in the final stretch to edge out Obiri and set a new course record.

In the men’s race, John Korir overcame early drama — including a fall and losing his bib — to win in 2:04:45, the second-fastest time ever recorded at the Boston Marathon. Korir, the reigning Chicago Marathon champion, kept with a tightly packed lead group through a fast first 10km, clocking 28:52. By halfway, the pack had shrunk to 16 runners. With just over a mile to go, Korir surged ahead, showing clear intent and channeling the legacy of his brother, Wesley Korir, who won in Boston 13 years earlier.

Tanzania’s Alphonce Felix Simbu and Kenya’s Cybrian Kotut finished close behind Korir, both posting a time of 2:05:04.

Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen congratulated the athletes, praising their efforts and calling their performances a proud moment for the country. He commended Lokedi for breaking the course record, and lauded Korir’s resilience in overcoming his early setback to win.