2025 Boston Marathon Preview: Obiri and Lemma Return to Defend Titles in Star-Studded Elite Fields

The 129th edition of the Boston Marathon, taking place on Monday, April 21, 2025, will showcase one of the deepest elite fields in the event’s history. Defending champions Hellen Obiri and Sisay Lemma headline the women’s and men’s races, each seeking to etch their names deeper into Boston lore. Obiri aims for a historic third consecutive victory, while Lemma returns to defend his crown against a formidable men’s lineup featuring former champions and rising stars. With world-class athletes from Kenya, Ethiopia, the U.S., and beyond, this year’s race promises high drama and fast times on the legendary point-to-point course from Hopkinton to Boston.

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Women's Elite Field: Obiri Eyes Historic Three-Peat

Kenya's Hellen Obiri returns to Boston aiming for a third consecutive victory, a feat last achieved by Fatuma Roba from 1997 to 1999. Obiri's strategic prowess was on display in 2024 as she timed her surge perfectly to outpace Sharon Lokedi and secure her second title. With a personal best of 2:21:38 set in Boston, Obiri remains the favorite.

Ethiopia's Amane Beriso, the 2023 world champion with a personal best of 2:14:58, poses a significant challenge. Beriso's strength in championship settings makes her a formidable opponent.

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya, runner-up in Boston 2024 and winner of the 2025 NYC Half Marathon, seeks to capitalize on her momentum. Her personal best of 2:22:45, set in Boston, underscores her capability on this course.

Other elite competitors include Ethiopia's Yalemzerf Yehualaw (2:16:52 PB), Kenya's Irine Cheptai (2:17:51 PB), and veteran Edna Kiplagat, a two-time Boston champion.

The American contingent is led by Emma Bates, who set her personal best of 2:22:10 in Boston 2023, and Keira D'Amato, the former American record-holder with a 2:19:12 PB. Desiree Linden, the 2018 Boston champion, brings experience to the field, while rising stars like Dakotah Popehn and Gabi Rooker aim to make their mark.

Men's Elite Field: Lemma Leads a Stacked Lineup

Ethiopia's Sisay Lemma enters as the defending champion, aiming to become the first Ethiopian man to win consecutive Boston titles. Known for his aggressive front-running, Lemma surged ahead early in 2024, building a significant lead by mile 20 and holding on to finish in 2:06:17. With a personal best of 2:01:48 from Valencia in 2023, he remains a formidable contender.

Challenging Lemma is Kenya's John Korir, who boasts a personal best of 2:02:44 from his victory at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. Korir has shown consistency in Boston, finishing fourth in 2024 and ninth in 2023, demonstrating his adaptability to the course's unique challenges.

Two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet of Kenya also returns, seeking to reclaim the title after a third-place finish in 2024. With a personal best of 2:03:00, Chebet's experience and tactical acumen make him a perennial threat.

Other notable contenders include Kenya's Daniel Mateiko, who recorded a 2:04:24 in Valencia, and Lesotho's Tebello Ramakongoana, fresh off a 2:06:18 personal best in Xiamen. American hopes rest on Conner Mantz, the U.S. Olympic Trials champion with a 2:07:47 personal best, and Clayton Young, who clocked 2:08:00 in Chicago.

With deep fields and returning champions, the 2025 Boston Marathon is poised for memorable races. Fans can anticipate strategic battles and potential upsets as athletes tackle the challenging course from Hopkinton to Boylston Street.​

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WOMEN'S ELITE FIELD

MEN'S ELITE FIELD