John Korir of Kenya won the 2025 Boston Marathon men’s race with a time of 2:04:45, outperforming Tanzanian Alphonce Felix Simbu and Kenyan Cyprian Kotut, who finished tied for second at 2:05:04. Korir, who previously won the 2024 Chicago Marathon, became the second sibling winner, following his brother Wesley’s victory in 2012. In the women’s division, Sharon Lokedi also triumphed, setting a new course record of 2:17:20 and defeating Hellen Obiri, who finished second. Lokedi’s win prevented Obiri from achieving a third consecutive Boston Marathon title. Both runners demonstrated exceptional performances in the prestigious event.
The men’s champion of the 2025 Boston Marathon is John Korir, who clinched the title on Monday with a remarkable time of 2:04:45.
Korir, hailing from Kenya, stayed with the leading pack for most of the race, but a powerful finish allowed him to break away from the competition. Both Tanzanian runner Alphonce Felix Simbu and Kenyan runner Cyprian Kotut finished in a tie for second, clocking in at 2:05:04. American Conner Mantz achieved his best Boston Marathon time, securing fourth place with a time of 2:05:08.
This victory places Korir alongside his brother Wesley as fellow winners of the Boston Marathon, as Wesley triumphed in 2012 with a time of 2:12:40.
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John entered the Boston Marathon riding a wave of success, having won the 2024 Chicago Marathon with an impressive time of 2:02:44. With this achievement, John became the first athlete to win both marathons since Robert Kipkoech Cheruiyot, who won the 2006 Chicago Marathon and the 2007 Boston Marathon.
Before his victory on Monday, John had already shown promise at the Boston Marathon with finishes of fourth and ninth in his previous appearances. Ahead of the 2025 event, he mentioned receiving invaluable advice from Wesley on how to secure the win, according to the Ravalli Republic.
“He knows the course well. He knows where to make a move and also to relax the legs,” said the younger Korir. “So that’s been a good help to me in training. I think it’s good.”
Before the race, John pledged his winnings to Transcend Talent Academy, a middle school located in Kenya.
Last year’s champion, Sisay Lemma, started strong but ultimately had to withdraw from the race. Reports indicate that he paused near the 17th mile to stretch and did not continue. Lemma had won the previous Boston Marathon with a time of 2:06:17.
Sharon Lokedi of Kenya crosses the finish line to win the 129th Boston Marathon Women’s division on April 21, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
(Maddie Meyer via Getty Images)
Sharon Lokedi wins 2025 Boston Marathon in record fashion
In a thrilling finish, Sharon Lokedi outpaced Hellen Obiri to win the women’s section of the 2025 Boston Marathon, setting a new record.
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Lokedi finished the race with an astonishing time of 2:17:20, breaking the previous record of 2:19:59. Obiri came in second at 2:17:41, while Yalemzerf Yehualaw secured third place with a time of 2:18:06.
As the race drew to a close, three women began to break away from the pack — Obiri, Lokedi, and Yehualaw. As they raced through the closing miles, they remained almost side by side. Before the final stretch, Beriso dropped back, making it a contest between two. Obiri and Lokedi were separated by mere inches until Lokedi surged ahead with just 1,000 meters to go.
This decisive move allowed Lokedi to claim victory.
For Lokedi, this win was monumental, not only for setting a new course record but for denying Obiri a coveted three-peat.
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Obiri, another Kenyan runner, came into the race looking to add to her previous victories in 2023 and 2024. Lokedi had finished second behind Obiri in 2024. A win for Obiri would have placed her among five women to win the event for three consecutive years. Despite her fierce competition, it was Lokedi who triumphed in 2025.
This victory marks Lokedi’s second win at a major marathon, following her New York City Marathon win in 2022.