Kenyan athletes stole the spotlight at the 2025 Boston Marathon as Sharon Lokedi and John Korir claimed victory in both the women’s and men’s races, marking a powerful display of endurance and speed on one of the world’s most prestigious marathon stages.
The event took place on a day already filled with historical weight, as Boston also commemorated the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolutionary War. But it was Lokedi’s performance that etched a new chapter in the marathon’s own history. She broke the course record, finishing the 26.2-mile race in an unofficial time of 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 22 seconds — more than two and a half minutes faster than the previous record.
Lokedi held off a fierce challenge from two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri, who crossed the finish line 19 seconds later. Last year, Obiri had edged Lokedi out in a dramatic final sprint, but this time the outcome was reversed as Lokedi powered through the final mile with determination.
In the men’s race, John Korir clocked a blistering 2:04:45, the second-fastest winning time ever recorded on the Boston course. His win adds to a growing list of major victories, following his triumph at the Chicago Marathon just six months ago. Waiting for him at the finish line was his older brother Wesley Korir, the 2012 Boston champion. With this victory, the Korirs have become the first siblings ever to win the Boston Marathon, a milestone in the race’s 129-year history.
The weather played a key role in the record-setting day, with cool temperatures and light winds providing ideal conditions for the runners. The combination of experience, tactical pacing, and perfect conditions made for one of the most memorable races in recent years.
Kenyan dominance at Boston continued with these wins. In the women’s category, Kenyan runners have now won every edition since 2021. In the men’s race, Korir’s victory restored Kenyan reign after Ethiopia’s Sisay Lemma broke their streak last year.
The 2025 edition not only delivered top athletic performances but also highlighted the powerful family story of the Korir brothers and the ongoing legacy of Kenyan excellence in distance running.