As the 2025 Boston Marathon approaches on April 21, the excitement builds with a lineup featuring defending champions and elite runners aiming for historic victories. Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma, both reigning champions, headline this year’s race with aspirations of continuing their dominance.
Hellen Obiri of Kenya, celebrated for her unprecedented achievements across various running disciplines, is set to compete for an extraordinary third consecutive Boston Marathon title. If successful, Obiri would be the first woman since Fatuma Roba in 1999 to win three straight Boston Marathons. Last year, she showcased her remarkable ability by sprinting the 24th mile in 4:41, finishing in 2:22:37, narrowly outpacing her compatriot Sharon Lokedi. “Defending a win is never easy, and to win the Boston Marathon twice in a row was hard, but I am happy to have done it,” Obiri stated. Her competition includes a formidable field of seven women who boast sub-2:20 personal bests, including Amane Beriso of Ethiopia, who holds a personal best of 2:14:58 and was last year's runner-up.
On the men’s side, Sisay Lemma from Ethiopia returns after a triumphant 2:06:17 finish last year, despite a challenging race that saw him slow down in the Newton hills. Lemma, whose personal best stands at 2:01:48 from Valencia in 2023, ranks as the fourth-fastest marathon runner in history. “I will be 100% ready in April because the Boston Marathon is a special event,” Lemma expressed, determined to overcome past challenges including a missed Olympic opportunity due to injury.
This year’s event also sees strong contenders such as two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet and 2024 Chicago Marathon champion John Korir from Kenya. Both athletes have demonstrated exceptional form and will be crucial competitors in a highly anticipated race.
Among the women, Obiri's main rivals include Yalemzerf Yehualaw, the 2022 London Marathon champion, alongside the seasoned Edna Kiplagat and Sharon Cherop, adding depth to an already competitive field. The presence of U.S. record holder Keira D’Amato and other notable American runners like Emma Bates and Sara Hall adds to the race’s international allure.
Women's Elite Field:
Amane Beriso (ETH) 2:14:58
Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) 2:16:52
Irine Cheptai (KEN) 2:17:51
Joan Melly (ROU) 2:18:04
Keira D'Amato (USA) 2:19:12
Rahma Tusa (ETH) 2:19:33
Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50
Buze Diriba (ETH) 2:20:22
Mary Ngugi (KEN) 2:20:22
Sara Hall (USA) 2:20:32
Bedatu Hirpa (ETH) 2:21:09
Calli Hauger-Thackery (GBR) 2:21:34
Sharon Cherop (KEN) 2:22:28
Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:23:10
Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:23:14
Emma Bates (USA) 2:23:18
Viola Chepngeno (KEN) 2:23:23
Sara Vaughn (USA) 2:23:24
Lindsay Flanagan (USA) 2:23:31
Stacy Ndiwa (KEN) 2:23:42
Gabi Rooker (USA) 2:24:29
Kellyn Taylor (USA) 2:24:29
Dakotah Popehn (USA) 2:24:40
Jackie Gaughan (USA) 2:24:40
Cynthia Limo (KEN) 2:25:10
Lily Partridge (GBR) 2:25:12
Angie Orjuela (COL) 2:25:35
Jess McClain (USA) 2:25:46
Lauren Hagans (USA) 2:25:47
Desiree Linden (USA) 2:25:55
Tristin Colley (USA) 2:25:58
Men's Elite Field:
Sisay Lemma (ETH) 2:01:48
John Korir (KEN) 2:02:44
Evans Chebet (KEN) 2:03:00
Cybrian Kotut (KEN) 2:03:22
Haymanot Alew (ETH) 2:03:31
Daniel Mateiko (KEN) 2:04:24
Alphonce Felix Simbu (TAN) 2:04:38
Lelisa Desisa (ETH) 2:04:45
Victor Kiplangat (UGA) 2:05:09
Asefa Boki (ETH) 2:05:40
Tebello Ramakongoana (LES) 2:06:18
Abel Kipchumba (KEN) 2:06:49
Albert Korir (KEN) 2:06:57
Tsegay Weldlibanos (ERI) 2:07:25
Patrick Tiernan (AUS) 2:07:45
Conner Mantz (USA) 2:07:47
Clayton Young (USA) 2:08:00
Rory Linkletter (CAN) 2:08:01
CJ Albertson (USA) 2:08:17
Amanuel Mesel (ERI) 2:08:17
Erenjia Jia (CHN) 2:08:32
Zach Panning (USA) 2:09:16
Colin Bennie (USA) 2:09:38