Sharon Lokedi sets new Boston Marathon record

In April 2025, Sharon Lokedi, a Kenyan marathon runner, achieved a remarkable victory at the Boston Marathon, further solidifying her status as one of the world's elite long-distance athletes. Lokedi finished the race with a time of 2:17:22, which not only marked her second major marathon win but also shattered the previous course record of 2:19:59 set by Buzunesh Deba of Ethiopia in 2014. This performance was particularly significant as it came after a tightly contested race against two-time defending champion Hellen Obiri, whom Lokedi surpassed in a thrilling finish, denying Obiri the chance to claim a historic third consecutive title. The competition at Boston was fierce, and Lokedi's final surge in the last 1000 meters displayed her resilience and tactical prowess. Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia finished a commendable third in 2:18:06, as all top three finishers exceeded the old course record. The Boston Marathon has a storied history, drawing elite runners from around the globe. Lokedi's triumph in 2025 adds to her previous accolades, including a win at the New York Marathon in 2022, demonstrating her exceptional talent and competitive drive. The race began unusually fast, with the lead group passing the halfway mark in an impressive time of 1:08:46, a pace that raised concerns among competitors but ultimately set the stage for a thrilling finish. Following Obiri and Lokedi in the women's race, the competition highlighted the high level of performance among female marathoners today. Lokedi, reflecting on her race, emphasized the desire and effort required to reach the finish line first, celebrating her victory with pride. In the men's race, John Korir also made headlines by winning the event in a staggering time of 2:04:45, which is noted as the second-fastest in the history of the Boston Marathon. Korir faced challenges early in the race, including a fall within the first 50 meters, yet managed to recover and take control of the race around mile 20. His victory not only secured him the title but made him the fastest in his family, following in the footsteps of his older brother Wesley who won the same race in 2012. Korir's win marked a significant moment in marathon history as both he and his brother became the first siblings ever to achieve championship titles at the Boston Marathon. Korir's post-race interview reflected a sense of pride and accomplishment, especially in the context of family legacy and the expectations that accompanied his performance. The wheelchair races also produced noteworthy results, with Marcel Hug of Switzerland winning his eighth title in Boston and Susannah Scaroni from the USA achieving her second victory, further illustrating the depth of talent present in both running and wheelchair categories. The 2025 Boston Marathon was an unforgettable event that showcased incredible athleticism and determination, reflecting the enduring spirit of marathon running.