Kenyan runners John Korir and Sharon Lokedi delivered commanding performances at the 2025 Boston Marathon, each claiming victory with historic times in one of the world’s most prestigious races.
Korir, 28, rebounded from an early fall to finish the 26.2-mile course in 2:04:45—making it the second-fastest time in Boston Marathon history. Already the 2024 Chicago Marathon champion, Korir now joins his brother, Wesley Korir (2012 champion), in the race’s legacy, declaring, “Now, I’m the fastest in the family.”
On the women’s side, Sharon Lokedi shattered the course record with a blazing 2:17:22 finish, dethroning defending champion Hellen Obiri. Lokedi, 31, had previously finished second in Boston and is a two-time New York City Marathon winner. “I just had to put it all out there and fight,” she said after holding off Obiri, who crossed just 19 seconds later in 2:17:41.
In a tightly contested men’s race, Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania and Kenyan Cyprian Kotut followed Korir, both finishing at 2:05:04, with Simbu earning second place by a fraction. American Conner Mantz impressed with a personal best of 2:05:08, placing fourth overall.
For the American women, Jess McClain stood out, finishing seventh with a time of 2:22:43, making her the top U.S. female performer.
The 129th edition of the marathon featured runners from 128 countries, following its storied route from Hopkinton to the iconic Boylston Street finish in downtown Boston.
Picture Credit: commons.wikimedia.org
