Women’s race: Lokedi’s Triumph

Sharon Lokedi of Kenya emerged victorious in a captivating women’s race at the boston Marathon, surpassing her compatriot and two-time defending champion, Hellen Obiri. Lokedi not only won but also shattered the course record.

Lokedi surged ahead in the final stretch, finishing with an impressive time of 2:17:22. This remarkable performance eclipsed the previous record of 2:19:59, set by Buzunesh Deba in 2014, by more than two-and-a-half minutes.

This victory marks Lokedi’s second major marathon win, following her triumph in New York in 2022. It also served as redemption for her second-place finish behind Obiri at last year’s Boston Marathon.

I’m always second to her and today I was like: There’s no way, Lokedi,31,said. I just have to put it out there and fight till the end and see how it goes. I’m so glad I ran that fast and she was right behind me. We all fought and wanted this so bad.

Yalemzerf Yehualaw of Ethiopia secured third place with a time of 2:18:06, also surpassing the previous course record.

The leading pack established a rapid pace early on, reaching the halfway point in 1:08:46. As the race progressed through the challenging hilly sections, the group gradually thinned out, ultimately leaving Lokedi and Obiri to compete for the top spot.

We went through halfway in 68 minutes and I thought: That’s so fast! We hadn’t got to the hills yet, Lokedi explained. We just kept the pace honest, but I was worried we were going too fast.

Men’s Race: Korir’s Commanding Performance

In the men’s division, John Korir of Kenya broke away from the leading group around mile 20, securing a decisive victory with a time of 2:04:45.

Alphonce Simbu of Tanzania edged out Cyprian Kotut of Kenya for second place, finishing 19 seconds behind Korir. Conner Mantz of the United States narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth.

Korir, 28, follows in the footsteps of his brother wesley, who won the Boston Marathon 13 years prior. The brothers shared an emotional embrace at the finish line, celebrating their historic achievement as the first siblings to both win the race.

I expected him there (at the finish line). I had promised him that I am going to win and I made it, Korir told ESPN. He added, Today I will make jokes with him because I am the fastest in the family. He had a title for Boston in the family but now I’ve got it.

Despite a challenging start, where he fell within the first 50 meters and lost his race number, the reigning Chicago marathon champion recovered quickly to rejoin the lead runners.

the early stumble did not deter Korir, as he established a significant lead in the final six miles, shortly after defending champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia withdrew from the race.

Wheelchair division: Hug and Scaroni Claim Titles

In the wheelchair races, Marcel Hug of Switzerland, a seven-time Paralympic champion, secured his eighth Boston Marathon title.Susannah scaroni of the USA claimed her second victory, having also won in 2023.