Sharon Lokedi Breaks Boston Marathon Course Record in Thrilling Finish

BOSTON, Mass. — Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi triumphed at the Boston Marathon on April 21, 2025, defeating her compatriot and two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri, while also breaking the course record with a time of 2:17:22.

Lokedi’s remarkable performance saw her surpass the previous record held by Buzunesh Deba since 2014 by over two and a half minutes. The victory marked Lokedi’s second major marathon win, having previously claimed the title at the New York Marathon in 2022.

“I’m always second to her, and today I was like: There’s no way,” said Lokedi, 31, reflecting on her fierce competition with Obiri. “I just have to put it out there and fight till the end and see how it goes. I’m so glad I ran that fast, and she was right behind me. We all fought and wanted this so bad.”

Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw finished third, clocking in at 2:18:06, which also fell below the previous course record. The race featured a strong pace from the start, with the leading group passing the halfway mark in 1:08:46.

Lokedi voiced her concerns about the fast pace, stating, “We just kept the pace honest, but I was worried we were going too fast.” However, as the race progressed into the challenging hilly section, only Lokedi and Obiri remained in contention for the win.

While Lokedi claimed the women’s race, Kenyan John Korir dominated the men’s event, finishing in 2:04:45 and becoming the first sibling to win at Boston, following in the footsteps of his brother, Wesley Korir, who won 13 years ago. Korir overcame an early fall, which caused him to lose his race bib, but he quickly recovered to join the lead pack.

“I expected him there (at the finish line). I had promised him that I am going to win and I made it,” Korir told ESPN. The race concluded with Korir and his brother celebrating together, as he playfully remarked, “Today I will make jokes with him because I am the fastest in the family.”

Kotut from Kenya and Simbu of Tanzania raced closely behind Korir, finishing with times of 2:05:04 and 2:05:04 respectively. American Conner Mantz finished narrowly out of the podium spot in fourth.

In the wheelchair division, Switzerland’s Marcel Hug claimed victory for the eighth time in Boston in 1:21:34. The seven-time Paralympic champion acknowledged the significance of this year’s race, which marked 50 years since the inclusion of wheelchair participants. “It means a lot to win this year,” Hug said. “It’s such an incredible number.”

American Susannah Scaroni secured her second Boston title, finishing the women’s wheelchair race in 1:35:20. Her victory ensured the Star-Spangled Banner would play on Patriots’ Day, a Massachusetts state holiday commemorating the first shots of the Revolutionary War.

This year’s race not only highlighted stirring individual achievements but also coincided with the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, celebrated with reenactments at the race’s start. Participants and spectators enjoyed the festive atmosphere as an actor portraying Paul Revere humorously dealt with an uncooperative horse.

The Boston Marathon continues to exemplify top-tier athleticism and compelling narratives of personal triumph, evidenced by the remarkable performances of Lokedi and Korir.