Boston Marathon: Hellen Obiri Targets Unprecedented Three-Peat

Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri is set to pursue a historic third consecutive Boston Marathon title in April, facing a competitive field including past champions Edna Kiplagat and Des Linden.

Kenyan distance runner Hellen Obiri, 35, is set to pursue a historic third consecutive Boston Marathon title in April, the Boston Athletic Association announced on Wednesday. Obiri has been a dominant force in the marathon since her debut in 2022, with notable victories in New York in 2023, in addition to her two Boston titles. She also secured a bronze medal in Paris last year.

Obiri is aware of the challenges that come with defending a title, but she remains confident in her abilities. “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,” she said in a statement. Obiri is focused on achieving a third consecutive title and is prepared to push herself to the limit. “On race day, I will again push for the win and hope to make it three in a row,” she added.

Obiri will be joined at the starting line by other esteemed past champions, including two-time winner Edna Kiplagat of Kenya and American Des Linden. Meanwhile, the men's field will be headlined by Ethiopian Sisay Lemma, 34, who will defend his title amidst a highly competitive field.

Ethiopian distance runner Sisay Lemma, 34, will defend his Boston Marathon title in April, facing a highly competitive men's field. Lemma boasts the fastest personal best in the field, with a remarkable time of 2:01:48. He will be joined at the starting line by a talented group of Kenyan runners, including two-time Boston Marathon winner Evans Chebet and John Korir, who claimed victory in the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

Lemma is well aware of the challenges that come with defending a title, but he is eager to rise to the occasion. “I was very happy after winning the Boston Marathon last year, and in 2025 I know it will be an even bigger challenge to win again,” he said. Lemma's preparations for the Boston Marathon were impacted by an injury that forced him to miss the Paris Games. He also competed in the Valencia Marathon last December, but admitted that he was not fully ready. “I was not completely ready at the Valencia Marathon last December, but I will be 100% ready next April because the Boston Marathon is a special event,” he emphasized.

The 129th running of the Boston Marathon is scheduled to take place on Monday, April 21st, 2025. This iconic event promises to deliver exciting competition, with Lemma, Obiri, and other top athletes vying for glory in the men's and women's divisions.