OBIRIE, LEMMA TO DEFEND BOSTON MARATHON TIGOLS
By David Monti, @d9monti
(c) 2025 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved, used by permission.
(08-Jan) — Helen Obiri of Kenya and Sisai Lemma of Ethiopia will return to defend their Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America titles on Monday, April 20. Obiri, 35, of the Olympic marathon, announced today bronze medalist, will be looking for his third straight win in Boston, the last time performed by Fatuma Roba of Ethiopia in 1997-1999.
“It’s never easy to defend a win, and winning the Boston Marathon twice in a row was tough, but I’m glad I did it,” Obiri said in a media release. The On Athletics Club athlete continued. “On race day I’ll be fighting for the win again and hopefully make it three in a row.”
Obiri, the only athlete in history to win world titles in cross country, indoor track and field, will have to overcome stiff competition to collect another win.Elite Athlete Coordinator Mary Kate Shea clocked the field in 2:23:00 With 17 women, the fastest were Amane Berrison (2:14:58) and Yalemzerf Yehualaw (2:16:52) Other contenders for the title include Kenya’s Irin Cheptai (2:17:51), Mary Ngugi (2:20:22) and Sharon Lokedi (2:22:45); Romanian Joan Meli (2:18:24); and Rahma Tusa (2:19:33), Bouze Diriba (2:20:22) and Bedatu Hirpa (2:21:09).
Several American women are hoping to make it to the podium, including Kyra D’Amato (2:19:12), Sarah Hall (2:20:32), Emma Bates (2:22:10), Dakota Popen (2). :24:40), and Jess McClain (2:25:46). Bates was the top US woman last year in 2:27:14 finishing 12th after missing last February’s Olympic Trials marathon due to injury.The last American to finish on the podium in Boston was Jordan Hassey, who finished third in 2019.
Lemma, 34, has a personal best of 2:01:48 and is completely dominating the race in 2024. The Adidas-sponsored athlete went solo in the mostly downhill first half in 1:00:19, and although he slowed dramatically in the second half, he still won by 41 seconds in 2:06:17.
“I was excited after winning the Boston Marathon last year, and in 2025 I know it will be an even bigger challenge,” Lemma said. I wasn’t ready for the Valencia Marathon last December, but I’ll be 100 percent ready next April because of the Boston Marathon. “The marathon is a special event.”
Kenyan men have won the Boston Marathon 25 times and two-time champion Evans Chebet, who has a personal best of 2:03:00, won back-to-back in 2022 and 2023 Also in action was John Korir (2:02:44 PB), 2024 Bank of America’s Chicago Marathon champion, whose brother Wesley was the 2012 Boston champion, and Albert Korir (no relation), the 2021 TCS New York winner. Winner of the city marathon.
The men’s elite field is tense. Twenty-one men have clocked 2:09:00 (13 in 2:07) and the elite field is represented by 16 countries.Four of the top six finishers at last year’s Olympic Trials are in the elite field: Conner Mantz (2:07:47 PB); Clayton Young (2:08:00), CJ Albertson (2:08:17) and Zach Panning (2:09:16) Shadrack Biwott was the last American to step onto the podium in Boston, finishing third in the 2018 rainstorm.
Founded in 1897 by the Boston Athletic Association, the Boston Marathon is the oldest marathon in the world and proudly remains a bit of a throwback. In addition, no pacers are used, and in addition to the course record bonus of $50,000, the race does not offer any time bonuses.The winners will receive $150,000 in prize money.
“Boston brings together the world’s best every April, and this Patriots Day is no different,” said Jack Fleming, executive director of the Boston Athletic Association. to etch the name in Boston Marathon history.”
Lists of 2025 Boston Marathon Elite Athletes (with Personal Best Times):
*Denotes masters (40+) athletes
WOMEN –
Amane Beriso, ETH, 2:14:58 (Valencia, 2022)
Yalemzerf Yehualaw, ETH, 2:16:52 (Amsterdam, 2024)
Irene Cheptai, KEN, 2:17:51 (Chicago, 2024)
Joan Melly, ROU, 2:18:24 (Seoul, 2022)
Kyra D’Amato, USA, 2:19:12 (Houston, 2022)
Rahma Tusa, ETH, 2:19:33 (Houston)
Edna Kiplagat, KEN, 2:19:50 (London, 2012)*
Lost Fountain, ETH, 2:20:22 (Chicago, 2024)
Mary Ngugi, KEN, 2:20:22 (London, 2022)
Sarah Hall, USA, 2:20:32 (Chandler, 2020)*
Bedatu Hirpa, ETH, 2:21:09 (Amsterdam, 2024)
Calli Hauger-Thackery, GBR, 2:21:34 (Berlin, 2024)
Helen Obiri, KEN, 2:21:38 (Boston, 2023)
Emma Bates, USA, 2:22:10 (Boston, 2023)
Sharon Cherop, KEN, 2:22:28 (Berlin, 2013)*
Desiree Linden, USA, 2:22:38 (Boston, 2011)*
Sharon Lockedy, KEN, 2:22:45 (Boston, 2024)
Viola Chepngeno, KEN, 2:23:23 (Cape Town, 2024)
Sarah Vaughan, USA, 2:23:24 (Chicago, 2023)
Lindsay Flanagan, USA, 2:23:31 (Chicago, 2024)
Stacy Ndiwa, KEN, 2:23:42 (Chicago, 2024)
Gabby Rucker, USA, 2:24:29 (Chicago, 2024)
Kellyn Taylor, USA, 2:24:29 (Duluth, 2018)
Dakota Popen, USA, 2:24:40 (Chicago, 2023)
Jackie Gaughan, USA, 2:24:40 (Sacramento)
Nell Rojas, USA, 2:24:51 (Boston, 2023)
Cynthia Limo, KEN, 2:25:10 (Hamburg, 2024)
Lily Partridge, GBR, 2:25:12 (Valencia, 2023)
Angie Orjuela, COL, 2:25:35 (Berlin, 2023) NR:
Jess McClain, USA, 2:25:46 (Orlando, 2024)
Lauren Hagans, USA, 2:25:47 (Chicago, 2024)
Tristin Colley, USA, 2:25:58 (Chicago, 2023)
Annie Frisby, USA, 2:26:18 (New York, 2021)
Stephanie Bruce, USA, 2:28:41 (Sacramento, 2024)*
Anne-Marie Blaney, USA, 2:29:25 (Chicago, 2024)
Annie Heffernan, USA, 2:30:26 (Sacramento, 2024)
Kodi Kleven, USA, 2:30:43 (St. George, 2024)
Hannah Lindholm, SWE, 2:31:18 (Seville, 2024)*
Lindsay Bradley, USA, 2:31:46 (Indianapolis, 2024)
Sarah Reiter, USA, 2:31:58 (Duluth, 2023)
Diana Bogantes, CRC, 2:32:08 (Valencia, 2023) NR
Jesse Cardin, USA, 2:33:34 (Chicago, 2022)
Ashley Powers, USA, 2:33:40 (Twin Cities, 2024)
Kaylee Flanagan, USA, 2:34:03 (Berlin 2024)
Mimi Smith, USA, 2:34:24 (Chicago, 2023)
Rachel Hanna, CAN, 2:34:33 (Toronto, 2024
Megan O’Neill, USA, 2:34:55 (St. Paul, 2024)
Anna Benedettini, USA, 2:35:12 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
Haley Bowes, USA, 2:35:36 (Chicago, 2023)
Rena Elmer, USA, 2:35:45 (Duluth, 2024)*
Veronica Eder, USA, 2:35:46 (Orlando, 2024)
Claire Benjamin, USA, 2:35:53 (Sacramento, 2023)
Katy Flair, USA, 2:35:55 (Chicago, 2023)
Amanda Beach, USA, 2:35:59 (Indianapolis, 2024)
Abby McNulty, USA, 2:36:00 (Sacramento, 2023)
Sydney Devore, USA, 2:36:01 (NYC, 2023)
Stephanie Rose, USA, 2:36:20 (Sacramento, 2023)
Britney Hall, USA, 2:36:28 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
Lucy Dobbs, USA, 2:36:33 (Indianapolis, 2023)
Emily Sullivan, USA, 2:36:41 (NYC, 2024)
Tabor Hemming, USA, 2:36:59 (Sacramento, 2024)
Tammy Hsieh, USA, 2:37:00 (Sacramento, 2023)
Sarah Chuprinsky, USA, 2:37:21 (Sacramento, 2024)
Erica Flair, USA, 2:38:00 (Berlin, 2024)
Margaret Vido, USA, 2:38:06 (Sacramento, 2023)
Lianne Pagano, USA, 2:38:26 (Sacramento, 2023)
Ellie Hackett, USA, 2:38:54 (Duluth, 2023)
Dot McMahan, USA, 2:38:34 (Orlando, 2024)*
Kate Bazely, KANO, 2:39:30 (Toronto, 2024)*
Mary Earle, USA, 2:39:46 (Orlando, 2024)*
Laurie Knowles, USA, 2:41:05 (Duluth, 2024)*
Melissa Perlman, USA, 2:42:50 (Chicago, 2025)*
April Lund, USA, 2:43:35 (Indianapolis, 2023)*
Amber Green, USA, 2:45:37 (St. George, 2023)*
Amber Tilbar, USA, 2:45:45 (North Bend, 2024)*
MAN –
Sisay Lemma, ETH, 2:01:48 (Valencia, 2023)
John Korir, KEN, 2:02:44 (Chicago, 2024)
Evans Chebet, KEN, 2:03:00
Cybrian Kotut, KEN, 2:03:22 (Berlin, 2024)
Haymanot Alew, ETH, 2:03:31 (Berlin, 2024)
Daniel Mateico, KEN, 2:04:24 (Valencia, 2024)
Alphonse Felix Simbu, TAN, 2:04:38 (Valencia, 2024)
Lelisa Desisa, ETH, 2:04:45 (Dubai, 2013)
Victor Kiplangat, UGA, 2:05:09 (Hamburg, 2022)
Asefa Bocki, ETH, 2:05:40 (Amsterdam, 2024)
Tebello Ramakongoana, LES, 2:06:18 (Xiamen, 2025) NR:
Abel Kipchumba, KEN, 2:06:49 (Berlin, 2022)
Albert Korir, KEN, 2:06:57 (New York, 2023)
Tsegai Weldlibanos, ERI, 2:07:25 (Sacramento, 2024)
Patrick Tiernan, USA, 2:07:45 (Houston, 2024)
Conner Mantz, USA, 2:07:47 (Chicago, 2023)
Clayton Young, USA, 2:08:00 (Chicago, 2023)
Rory Linklater, CAN, 2:08:01 (Seville, 2024)
CJ Albertson, USA, 2:08:17 (Chicago, 2024)
Emmanuel Messel, ERI, 2:08:17 (Valencia, 2013)
Erenjia Jia, CHN, 2:08:32 (Berlin, 2024)
Zach Penning, USA, 2:09:16 (Chicago, 2024)
Colin Benny, USA, 2:09:38 (Chandler, 2020)
Reid Fisher, USA, 2:10:14 (Chicago, 2024)
Tesfu Tewelde, ERI, 2:10:21 (Saint Paul, 2024)
Wesley Kiptu, KEN, 2:10:28 (Chicago, 2023)
Johannes Motschmann, GER, 2:10:39 (London, 2024)
Nathan Martin, USA, 2:10:45 (Duluth, 2023)
Ryan Ford, USA, 2:11:08 (New York, 2024)
Colin Meekow, USA, 2:11:22 (Chandler, 2020)
Turner Wiley, USA, 2:11:55 (Chicago, 2024)
Yemane Haileselassie, ERI, 2:11:59 (Honolulu, 2024)
Robert Miranda, USA, 2:12:07 (Sacramento, 2024)
Charlie Sweeney, USA, 2:12:23 (Chicago, 2024)
Will Norris, USA, 2:12:33 (St. Paul, 2024)
JP Flavin, USA, 2:12:34 (Chicago, 2024)
Joseph Whelan, USA, 2:13:29 (Duluth, 2019)
Ilie Corneschi, ROU, 2:13:39 (Berlin, 2022)
Eric Linden, USA, 2:14:15 (Sacramento, 2024)
Ryan Euler, USA, 2:14:22 (Boston, 2024)
Josh Kalapos, USA, 2:14:26 (Orlando, 2024)
Lyle O’Brien, USA, 2:14:29 (Orlando, 2024)
Ben Kendell, USA, 2:15:11 (Chicago, 2024)
Jacob Heslington, USA, 2:15:12 (Orlando, 2024)
Primoz Kobe, SLO, 2:15:37 (Rotterdam, 2022)*
Tim McGowan, USA, 2:15:49 (Sacramento, 2024)
Andrew Bowman, USA, 2:15:50 (Pittsburgh, 2024)
Mason Jones, USA, 2:15:54 (Indianapolis, 2023)
Louis Serafini, USA, 2:15:55 (Duluth, 2022)
Yudai Fukuda, JPN, 2:15:57 (Gold Coast, 2024)
Thomas Toth, CANON, 2:15:57 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
Mitch Ammons, USA, 2:16:01 (Valley Cottage, 2023)
Hiroaki Furukawa, JPN, 2:16:14 (Kumamoto, 2024)
Grant O’Connor, USA, 2:16:17 (Boston, 2024)
Aaron Davidson, USA, 2:16:30 (Duluth, 2023)
Alex Milne, GBR, 2:16:30 (London, 2023)
Kevin Kirk, USA, 2:16:33 (Twin Cities, 2024)
Michael Blaszczyk, USA, 2:16:43 (Sacramento, 2023)
Joost Plaetinck, USA, 2:16:47 (Sacramento, 2023)
Kyle Johnson, USA, 2:16:59 (Duluth, 2024)
Prescott Leach, USA, 2:17:28 (Sacramento, 2023)*
Jesse Davis, USA, 2:17:30 (Indianapolis, 2023)*
Dustin Beebe, USA, 2:19:48 (St. George, 2023)*
Jonathan Cotter, USA, 2:20:08 (St. George, 2023)*
David Cisewski, USA, 2:20:53 (Chicago, 2023)*
Juan Vidal Ribeiro, ESP, 2:22:14 (Valencia, 2023)*
Sam Morse, USA, 2:22:15 (Boston, 2024)*
Pablo Villalobos Bazaga, ESP, 2:22:32 (Seville, 2024)*
Iain Hunter, USA, 2:23:45 (St. George, 2023)*
Muktar Edris, ETH, debut / 1:00:52 HM
Barry Keen, IRL, debut/ 1:02:35 HM
